Snyder County business expands to more than 1,500 locations across the country

Spotlight on Snyder County



 

 

Pam Harper is the owner of Star Hollow Candle Company in Middleburg, Pennsylvania.

Being a small business owner isn’t easy, but Harper likes the challenge. As a small business owner in a small town, Harper knows there are plenty of hurdles to overcome. However, she’s done that and then some. Star Hollow has been a rousing success, and Harper is responsible.

Pennsylvania Business Central recently caught up with Harper to talk about her business.

PBC: Tell us a little bit about Star Hollow? How did it start, and why is it your passion?

HARPER

HARPER

Harper: Star Hollow started in 2002. I was operating a gift store, and with a tight budget, we needed things for the store. I started making candles and they kept selling out. We made more and started wholesaling them to other stores. I don’t think candles are my passion per say, but I like to think it found me! Creativity and using my hands was always a passion and sometimes it takes time to find what best suits you within the genre.

PBC: What is your best-selling product, and why do you think that is?

Harper: Anything snowman. Each one has its own personality and look, so it’s just like making your own snowman out of snow; no two are quite alike.

PBC: According to your website, Star Hollow began in 2002. How has the business grown and changed since then?

Harper: It has changed drastically. While we picked up sales and store owners right away, we now have over 1,500 stores that carry our product, as well as Amazon, Wayfair and Walmart.com. We outgrew our facility three times.

PBC: How many employees do you have? Do you plan on adding more?

Harper: We currently have five full- time and four part-time, and are always looking to grow more staff.

PBC: Is most of your business from people coming in or online?

Harper: Most is online or through wholesale trade shows and craft shows, however, we do have a draw in the community, especially during events, and are the largest candle shop in the Susquehanna Valley.

PBC: How has the internet changed since Star Hollow began in 2002?

Harper: In the beginning we only had a website, now we have [a] website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, Wayfair, Ebay, Houzz, Walmart.com and will be adding Zulliliy and Overstock this year. Nowadays, everyone is shopping all over the place online, and you have to have your products in as many places as possible for a chance at being seen.

PBC: There are many different options when it comes to buying candles. What makes Star Hollow special?

Harper: We have over 3,500 different products. Is that enough? What makes us special is we are always changing with the trends, we can customize and the fact that everything is still hand poured, dipped and labeled.

PBC: Tell our readers about you — hobbies, family, etc. When you aren’t in the shop, what do you do for fun?

Harper: I am a single mom raising a now 16-year-old. Sometimes you see him in the shop working; he knows every part of the business and has been working here practically his whole life. My parents are here a lot also, helping out in various parts of the business.

Although I feel like I work 24/7, I try to get some travel in, even if it’s a day trip somewhere to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon to see the leaves or visiting my alma mater, Penn State University. I also enjoy doing home improvement. I recently replaced all of the carpets in my house with wood laminate flooring and installed new kitchen cabinets. I think once the creativity bug bites you, you can attempt anything!

PBC: What is the one question about Star Hollow I didn’t ask that you wish I would have?

Harper: What else is there to do near us? Besides watching us make candles on site and visiting our shop pets — that would be the four miniature donkeys and the two goats — next door is L&L Market, a closeout grocery store, and just a stone’s throw away is the Shade Mountain Winery. .

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