LEBANON, VA – MARCH 30, 2026 — What started for Wendy Gilbert as a hobby making all natural soy wax candles led to the opening of Wicks by Wendy, operated by her and her husband, Christopher, in downtown Lebanon, VA. The Main Street store features soy candles, wax melts and one-of-a-kind clothing and other handmade items.
Wicks by Wendy LLC is a recent recipient of a $10,000 Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Matching Grant. Seed capital grants are funded from regional funds received by VCEDA which are paid by the natural gas industry.
“Wicks by Wendy LLC manufactures candle products and also operates a storefront in Lebanon and an online e-commerce function as well,” said Jonathan Belcher, VCEDA executive director/general counsel. “The new business projects two full-time employees and one part-time employee within five years.”
“We specialize in unique, high-quality, hand-poured candles designed to bring warmth, comfort and personality into any space,” Gilbert said. “We also offer personalized gifts, home fragrance solutions and seasonal décor at our store at 82 E. Main Street in Lebanon and through the online sales feature on our website.”
Currently, the storefront business is open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The business began at Gilbert’s home where she began making candles as a hobby.
“Wicks by Wendy began with a simple idea and a bold vision — to create something different,” Gilbert said. “From the beginning, our focus has been on offering thoughtfully curated, high-quality products paired with fast, reliable service and fair, honest pricing. In the beginning, I would make the candles at home and later, began to sell them at local fairs and festivals.”
Candle fragrances available include apple toddy; white tea; hot chocolate; honeysuckle and jasmine; milk and honey, lemon; lavender and vanilla; pear; cinnamon; blueberry; pumpkin spice; coconut lemongrass; and many more.
In addition to candles, the store also seeks to expand opportunities for other local artisans, selling pottery, woodworking items and crafts. Wooden dough bowls, wax melts, one-of-a-kind clothing from Molly Jean Apparel are among the offerings.
Gilbert used the VCEDA seed capital funds toward the purchase of additional candle-making items, shipping equipment, display stands and advertising.
“Receiving the grant opened so many more doors for us,” Gilbert said. “Opening a business in a small community is scary in itself. The grant gave us an opportunity to adequately advertise the business which will help us to grow even more.”
Gilbert worked with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) in developing her application to VCEDA and received a letter of support from the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
“The Southwest Virginia Community College Small Business Development Center (SBDC) congratulates Wicks by Wendy on receiving a Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Seed Capital Grant,” said Denise Harmon, SBDC executive director at SWCC. “The SBDC was pleased to assist with the application process and is proud to support this new local business located in downtown Lebanon, Virginia, as it contributes to small business growth, economic development and the local tourism economy in Southwest Virginia.”
“Wicks by Wendy provides a unique opportunity for the community,” said Russell County IDA Executive Director Ernie McFaddin. “Russell County IDA is excited to see next steps for this project.”
For more information about Wicks by Wendy, interested persons may call 276-254-5343 or check out their website at www.wicksbywendy00.com or the Wicks by Wendy Facebook page.
About Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority and Southwest Virginia’s e-Region: The Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1988 to enhance and diversify the region’s economy and help create jobs, markets Southwest Virginia’s e-Region and its focus on electronic information technology, energy, education, emerging technologies, and entrepreneurship. VCEDA is a unique economic development organization that manages funds for economic development projects from a percentage of the coal and natural gas severance taxes paid by coal and natural gas companies that operate in the region. Located in southwestern Virginia, the region includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton. www.vceda.us or www.e-Region.org.
About the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority Seed Capital Matching Grant Fund: VCEDA region for-profit businesses, within qualifying business categories, one year and under with less than 10 full-time employees are eligible to apply for dollar-for-dollar matching grants up to $10,000 from the VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Fund. Applicants work with the Small Business Development Centers at Mountain Empire and Southwest Virginia community colleges to prepare the applications to VCEDA that include detailed business and financial plans. Businesses must be located in or plan to operate in the VCEDA region in southwestern Virginia that includes Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
(PHOTO CAPTION: Wendy Gilbert and her husband, Christopher, opened Wicks by Wendy LLC, selling hand-crafted candles and more in Lebanon, VA and through the store’s e-commerce platform. Wicks by Wendy was a recent recipient of a $10,000 VCEDA Seed Capital Matching Grant.)