Lansdale is lit over Shane & Pepper Soy Candle Co.

I met the Popiny family, of Shane & Pepper Soy Candle Co., at a Headway Art Collective Event a few months back. In those few hours, I witnessed a young man work a crowd like he’s been doing it for years. For Shane, it isn’t always about selling candles, it’s the interaction with people that he loves.

I recently visited Shane and Pepper at their new storefront location at 203B North Broad Street in Lansdale (Rear building) and spoke with Shane about his new venture. Shane is a pediatric stroke survivor and has cerebral palsy. In 2016 they began to raise money for Pepper, his mobility service dog, by making candles.

Fast forward to 2020. Shane & Pepper Candle Co. is booming. They teamed up with 4 Paws for Ability, a non profit organization in Xenia, OH. The organization helps children and veterans with a disability or medical condition to receive a service dog. Then the pandemic hit. Instead of panicking and being fearful, Shane took his energy and decided to; “turn frowns upside down and bring joy through my candles”.

The Popiny family has a routine and a process with each candle made. There is a night spent together, naming and having a “smell session” to get the perfect name.

Shane's personality resonates among everyone he is around. He loves doing videos, and “always brings 100% to my work”. For his mother, Marie, the experience of starting a business, running part of it, and balancing a family has been a great experience with a definite learning curve, but her goal is Shane, and creating a solid future for him.

When I asked Shane what his favorite candle was, he replied: “all of them, I put love into all of my candles”. He did tell me the names that he liked the most: Puppy Kisses, Orange You A Good Dog, and Under the Paws Trees just to name a few.

Shane is driven by love and dedicated to motivate others; “I want to inspire the disabled”. He hopes he can change perspectives and influence others. He doesn’t tolerate bullying and hopes to lead other disabled kids to have a better future:

“We’re all human, and being disabled isn’t any different, we are all equal”.

As I sat there continuing to speak to this young man, I couldn’t help but to get emotional and inspired by his positivity and love of life. As adults we face challenges, set backs, and obstacles each day. Some more than others, and some harder than most. Sitting and talking with Shane and Marie about their journey and where they are now is proof that, with a positive mindset and heart filled with love mixed in with Shane determination, You can be the light. Be the change.

Since this interview, Marie has been updating me on the stores progress. They are now incorporating art therapy, and a sensory room. They are planning a soft opening for August 28, Founders Day in Lansdale.