Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Harris.
Hi Melissa, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey into entrepreneurship with ReWax & UnWine began during a pivotal season of transition. My husband, Chris, came across a feature on the Today Show about the brand expanding into franchising—right as we were preparing to become empty nesters with our twin sons heading off to college.
We had always talked about owning a franchise, but the timing had never quite aligned until that moment. What started as a lighthearted conversation about how I’d spend my extra time quickly turned into a shared vision to build something meaningful together as a family.
Creativity has always been a part of who I am. I’ve long had a craft room in my basement, so stepping into a hands-on, experience-driven business felt like a natural fit. At the same time, this decision was about more than passion. As a family-owned and operated business, we were intentional about creating something that contributes to generational wealth while also showing our children that it’s never too late to pivot, take risks, and build a new path.
Today, ReWax & UnWine is more than a business for us. It’s a space where creativity, community, and connection come together—a place where people celebrate, unwind, and make lasting memories. Most importantly, it reflects the legacy we are building together as a family.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like any new business, there’s a learning curve—especially stepping into entrepreneurship later in life and in an industry that was new to us.
One of our initial challenges was finding the right location and building the space out. Fortunately, we found the perfect home at Metro Centre at Owings Mills. It truly offers everything you want in a space—you can live, work, eat, and play—which aligned perfectly with the experience we wanted to create.
Candle-making as an experience is still relatively new for many people, so we had to be very intentional about marketing, storytelling, and building strong brand awareness within the community.
We’ve also had to navigate the operational side of running a hands-on, experience-based business—from staffing and training to ensuring every guest has a consistent, high-quality experience. Balancing that while still working full-time and managing family life has required discipline, flexibility, and a strong partnership.
Each of these challenges has helped us grow and become more intentional in how we run and scale the business.
As you know, we’re big fans of ReWax & UnWine Owings Mills. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
ReWax & UnWine is a candle-making experience studio—but more importantly, it’s a vibe. We’ve reimagined a traditional DIY activity and turned it into a social, high-energy experience where guests can pour custom candles while enjoying music, conversation, and connection.
We’re open Wednesday through Sunday, and reservations are required. Our four signature experiences—Ladies Night, the Ultimate Candle Making Experience, Romantic Date Night, and Wine Down Wednesday—each bring their own energy, but the goal is always the same: to create an experience that’s lit from start to finish.
What sets us apart is our focus on the full experience. We’re a BYOB space, and while candles dry, we keep the energy going with candle trivia, karaoke, and interactive moments—so it never feels like just a class, it’s always a vibe. In addition to our in-studio experiences, we specialize in private parties, corporate events, and our Mobile Candle Bar, which brings the experience directly to weddings, celebrations, and off-site events.
As a family-owned and operated business, we’re proud of the atmosphere we’ve built. From the moment you walk in, you feel it—it’s warm, elevated, and designed for connection. We don’t just make candles… we create experiences that spark memories long after the flame is gone.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is knowing I’m setting an example for my children in real time. I want them to see that it’s never too late to pivot, take risks, and go after what truly fulfills you.
This journey is about more than business. It’s about showing them that with hard work and belief in yourself, anything is possible, and that they don’t have to play small or settle.
One of my favorite quotes is, “People don’t fail because they aim too high and miss, they fail because they aim too low and hit.” I carry that with me daily, and I want my children to do the same. Aim high, dream boldly, and trust that they are capable of achieving whatever they set their minds to.
Pricing:
- Ultimate Candle Making Experience $60
- Ladies Night $55
- Romantic Date Night $55
- Wine Down Wednesday $49
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rewaxandunwineowingsmills.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rewaxandunwine_owingsmills/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556893020145
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rewax-and-unwine-owings-mills
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewaxunwineowingsmills
