Fire Doll Studio — Local services in Champaign

I purchased tickets for a special Valentine’s Day event at Fire Doll that could be conservatively described as disastrous. When I bought tickets— close to a month before the actual event was happening— the description led me to believe I would be having a relaxing, private celebration with my partner during which we enjoyed live local music, made a candle together, and learned some gentle partner massage techniques. Upon arrival at 4p, we were greeted by a sign on the door that informed customers the store would be closing at 4 for a private event. My disappointment began when we walked into the “special event” room, in which we learned that the seating for a private romantic event would be done…family style, with all approx. 20 guests sharing two large tables (this was later changed when they realized they didn’t account for all the occupants, and put two couples at another table in the corner). After being seated, the hosts did not address the guests for close to half an hour, at which point everyone was able to individually order a cocktail or drink of their choice. Considerate, potentially, if it had not been for the owner of Fire Doll herself individually preparing each person’s cocktail. The only interaction , at that point, with the group had been vague instructions to pick scents and candle vessels (for an extra charge, if you’d like anything besides plain clear glass), which were barely heard over one guitarist with an amp so loud that guests could barely make conversation. At 4:55, a third of the way through the event, candle making or massage techniques hadn’t been started, as the owner went to finish checking out individual guests who were still working— even though the store closed at 4 for this “special event”. Humiliated and frustrated, my partner and I left in tears shortly after five. The host paid far more attention to the single customers than the folks waiting past the start time for what was advertised to be a “retreat”. The tickets for this event were over $100 for a single couple. Perhaps if you come as a single customer you will receive more attention than those who booked in advance, made to wait in favor of organizational tasks like restocking candle jars (!!!) that should have been completed before the start of the event. I’m not normally one to be a picky reviewer; however, being literally ignored while paying a premium price for a special service leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. If you’re still planning on visiting, I’d advise accounting for an extensive wait in a crowded shop for...

Firedoll is one of my favorite places in downtown Champaign. You immediately get cozy vibes just walking into the store, and everything just smells amazing. I feel I have fully invested in almost everything Firedoll has to offer--from purchasing candles and melts, doing a date night happy hour, getting custom candles (the most beautiful wedding unity candles EVER) and arranging a large group candle making session, and every time my expectations have been exceeded. The candles and melts smell amazing and do not give me headaches like other storebought candles I have tried in the past. They are my go-to shop for getting gifts for friends and family. Kayla and the whole team are so kind and great to work with, they helped develop my vision of a wedding unity candle and it turned out so beautifully. I highly recommend this chandlery for...

Spent a lovely afternoon with my sisters making candles! The store itself is wonderful, I ended up purchasing an affogato candle as well as an orange blossom on in a small wooden dough bowl. I was flying home to Arizona, so I had all the items shipped. They arrived today and were expertly packed. Everything was wrapped tightly with bubble wrap in between, then put into an insulated bag, along with some ice packs, then boxed. I was concerned the candles might be soft, or even melted (high of 109 today!), but everything was fully intact and actually cool! Thank you for a...