RESERVATIONS
Reservations are highly recommended. The AURA Team will do its best to accommodate walk-ins around reservations when space is available.
AURA Candle Bar's Scent Experience lasts up to one hour.
The price of the experience is based on the vessel/s you choose in which to pour a custom scented product starting at $42. You are welcome to customize the scents of multiple items per visit.
All candles require 2 hours to cool, following the completion of one's reservation, before being glazed and ready for pickup. Candles completed within two hours of AURA's scheduled closing time will be ready for pickup one hour after the studio opens the following business day. (Note: The AURA studio is closed on Mondays.) Reed diffusers, however, can be ready immediately after your custom scent has been blended and poured.
The Southport Corridor offers a variety of dining, shopping, fitness, and theater options to enjoy while your candle(s) cool. If you’re short on time, you’re welcome to pick up your creations on another day. For your convenience, we hold completed items for up to two weeks and also offer shipping.
LARGE GROUP (OVER 6 GUESTS) & PRIVATE EVENTS
Yes! We love hosting large groups and private events for any special occasion - whether it’s a birthday, team-building activity, or corporate client event. For more details and to plan your event, please visit our Large Group & Private Event Info Page
SHIPPING
Absolutely! If you’d like your creations delivered instead of picking them up, we offer shipping options. Learn more about shipping costs, timing, and policies on our Shipping Page.
FRAGRANCE CREATION + INGREDIENTS
Fragrance creation is a blend of artistic expression and scientific precision. Each scent is made from multiple aromatic compounds to create what's called an accord—a harmonious blend that captures a particular mood or memory. AURA works with and sources our premium fragrance oils from various fragrances suppliers.
Some of our blends contain essential oils, but we primarily use high-quality fragrance oils. Essential oils alone are not ideal for candles, as they tend to burn off quickly when exposed to flame.
Body fragrances are designed with volatility in mind - how fast the scent changes. Top notes are the most fleeting, followed by middle, then base notes. Candle fragrances require more stability to withstand heat and provide lasting scent, and there is not the same requirement to choose fragrances based solely on volatility.
GUEST EXPERIENCES + EVENTS
- We love partnering with and have fragranced events for local, national and global events, brand introductions, art installations, corporate events, weddings, retailers and more.
We happily accommodate large groups for birthday celebrations. While we are happy to host younger guests, our studio experience is best suited for those 10 years and up due to safety and attention span.
Abandoned candles are placed into periodic “Adoption Events” where guests can claim any forgotten candles. It’s a fun way to give them a second life and raise funds for humans and animals.
SCENT JOURNEY + CONSULTATION
Our ownership team is certified in perfumery, and all team members receive hands-on training in fragrance families, blending principles, and guest interaction.
Not at all—that’s what we’re here for! Our scent consultants guide the blending process with expert knowledge and creative support.
We aim to prevent that! Through thoughtful consultation, our team will help you select scents you connect with. If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll adjust before pouring into your vessel.
FRAGRANCE APPLICATIONS + PRODUCTS
Candles offer a flame-lit ambiance, while diffusers and wax melts are flameless options ideal for continuous scent without monitoring.
Yes! Our custom sugar scrubs are scented with the same fragrance oils used in our candles, allowing for a cohesive aromatic experience.
No, we don’t replicate existing fragrances. Instead, we guide guests to explore and discover something new that’s emotionally and sensorially aligned with their preferences.
Unlit candles give off what is called, cold throw. Once lit, the warm throw expands the fragrance throughout your space. AURA chooses not to use chemicals to amplify the cold throw of our candles.
We use a coconut-apricot wax blend. It’s clean-burning, eco friendly and has an excellent scent throw, and provides a smooth, creamy appearance.
It turns into liquid, then evaporates into the air, carrying the fragrance with it—no wax is left behind!
More wicks generally offer a faster and more even burn, especially in wider vessels. One-wick candles are better suited for smaller rooms or longer, slower burns.
STUDIO LOGISTICS
We don’t currently offer a refill program, but we love that you're thinking sustainably! Stay tuned - we’re always evolving.
Only select vessels (like the ones displayed with lids on the top shelf) come with lids. Others, like charcoal or blush ceramics, can be paired with a bamboo lid - sold separately.
Yes - just let us know during your session, and we’ll note it on your worksheet and make sure your vessel stays label-free.
Burn time varies depending on how often and how long you light them. Because three-wicks have more surface area and faster burn rates, the range can vary greatly by how the guests burns the candle.
Yes. Each seat reserved corresponds to a product created, as outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
Yes! We offer shipping for finished candles. Just ask your scent consultant for details.
Absolutely. Candles are TSA-approved in carry-ons and checked bags, as long as they’re solid wax and not burning, of course.
Yes, time permitting and with additional fees. Let your scent consultant know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
RESERVATIONS + PAYMENTS
For security reasons, we do not access stored card information. A physical card is required at checkout.
No deposit is charged to reserve your experience. Guests will pay for their selected candle vessel, plus applicable tax, following the completion of the session.
The credit card placed on file is used solely to hold and confirm your reservation, securing your seat at our candle-pouring bar and reflecting your commitment to the booked experience. No charges are applied unless outlined in our cancellation or no-show policy.
HIRING + TRAINING
Yes! We're always looking for great talent. Check out the Open Positions page on our website, where you can find the instructions for submitting your resume and cover letter.
We seek emotionally intelligent, confident, and curious individuals who can guide guests with warmth and expertise. A team-first mindset and respect for studio policies are essential.
New team members receive hands-on training, guided shadowing, and mentorship. We invest in education - from fragrance knowledge to hospitality - so that every consultant feels confident and supported.
