Located at 20 Bellefonte Avenue, Creek Unique Candles and More is a one-stop shop for local artisan needs.

The store’s inventory is made entirely of handmade products — the majority of which are crafted by local artisans. From dog treats to 3D printed vases, Creek Unique Candles and More has something for every customer.

When owner, Harold Fleming, began making candles with his wife, Becky, they ran into the issue of where they could sell their wares.

“I had my stuff in certain places and they took up to 40 percent (of sales). That doesn’t leave much for the little guys after,” said Harold.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Creek Unique Candles and More is seen at 20 Bellefonte Ave., across from Triangle Park.

At this shop, artists are charged a low monthly fee and 10 percent of sales to rent a shelf.

“(The 10 percent) is for advertising. I’m on the radio now investing back into (everyone’s) products,” said Harold.

On top of handcrafting candles, Harold also does custom laser wood engraving. All of the shelves in the shop were built by Harold, and he offers personalized engraving.

“We put our love and time into it. We want to make a good product. We don’t cut corners and make more profit. We don’t need to do that. I guarantee all my candles,” said Harold.

“A lot of people spend their hard-earned money and time on these products and gifts they’re making. We want to be a unique gift store — we’re getting new things all the time,” Harold continued.

A shelf showing a selection of hand-poured candles is seen inside the shop. BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS

Through hosting local artists, Harold hopes to boost the local economy. The shop tries to be fair with pricing of their candles and wood engraving, ranging from low to mid-range prices.

“We spend hours creating from scratch — I feel we charge a fair price. Everything in here is crafted by someone,” said Harold.

“None of it is cheaply made, either,” said his son and business partner, Thomas Fleming.

According to Harold, they also participate in a program called “Aid for Trade” which aims to help developing economies tackle trade-related obstacles, strengthen their capacity to trade and build infrastructure they need to integrate into the international trading system.

“(Aid for Trade) buys stuff from artists around the world, and I buy it from them,” said Harold.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various shelves of handcrafted goods available for purchase at Creek Unique Candles and More in Lock Haven are pictured.

An additional aspect of the business is Tightrope Films, which is run by Thomas. It is a freelance film production company that aims to create cinematic content for clients at an affordable rate.

Since he was a child, Thomas has wanted to work in filmmaking.

“There’s not enough of a filmmaking community (in Lock haven.) My ultimate goal is to bring more of a community here. I know there’s other people around here. If I can do it, anyone can do it,” said Thomas.

From music videos, to commercials and short films, Thomas aims to connect local businesses and groups with the means to showcase themselves.

“I shot a wedding last year, I want to get into more of that. I want to bring cinematic content to people. I want to give that level of quality without gauging prices — I try to make it fair,” said Thomas.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various shelves of handcrafted goods available for purchase at Creek Unique Candles and More in Lock Haven are pictured.

With seemingly limitless options to choose from, Creek Unique Candles and More has something to offer anyone who enters their doors.

“Everyone is welcome to come here. You don’t even have to buy anything. Just come in and enjoy the unique (products). Smelling candles is free,” joked Harold.

Though the business is open to the public now, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Creek Unique Candles and More will take place on Thursday, July 24, at 11 a.m., at 20 Bellefonte Avenue. All are welcome to join in celebrating the new business, meet the owner and explore the unique products available for purchase.

You can contact Thomas for Tightrope Films via email at tightropefilmspro.gmail.com or by phone at 570-244-6882.

For more information on Creek Unique Candles and More, reach out via phone at 440-856-6741 or by email at creekuniquecandlesandmore@gmail.com

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Various shelves of handcrafted goods available for purchase at Creek Unique Candles and More in Lock Haven are pictured.