Coki by Cottage Kind offers a unique, creative experience for candle-making enthusiasts. The charming venue combines artistry with relaxation, allowing visitors to create personalized candles surrounded by whimsical decor. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced crafter, the space fosters creativity, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore their artistic side.
This unique dessert candle-making studio is in Mineola, Long Island, New York. Sparkle Sugar, a second-generation Guyanese American, is the visionary behind the venture. She has transformed her passion for art and creativity into a successful business.
Six years ago, Sparkle started making dessert candles as gifts for loved ones. “It started as a fun experiment. We thought, ‘Why not invite others to join the fun?’ And people loved it so much that we just kept growing and growing. Today, her studio has become the go-to destination for candle enthusiasts and anyone looking for a hands-on, creative escape,” she shared.
At Coki by Cottage Kind, visitors can dive into a whimsy world with workshops beyond traditional candle-making. The studio specializes in dessert candles—candles that look like sweet treats and drinks—and also offers classes in body butter making, perfume crafting, and custom phone case design, she explained.
“This is candle making with a twist. Guests can create candles that resemble sweet treats, drinks, or anything their imagination dreams up, blending dessert-inspired designs with a touch of fantasy. Beyond candles, we also host classes for making perfume, cologne, body butter, and even custom phone cases; all centered around self-care and creativity. It’s a reflection of my American identity and Guyanese heritage coming together,” Sparkle said with a smile.
Sparkle’s Guyanese roots play a big role in her business. She credits her grandmother, who immigrated from Guyana to Brooklyn, for inspiring her drive to succeed. “She made so many sacrifices for her family. Even when she didn’t fully understand my vision, she supported me. Her story motivates me to chase my dreams and create something meaningful,” Sparkle said.
Sparkle has faced challenges as a Black woman entrepreneur, particularly with funding. “The biggest challenge I’ve faced as a Black woman in business is securing funding,” she said. “Many funding opportunities don’t cater to us, and we face more hurdles because of it. For this business, it was a dream of mine, and my grandmother from Guyana believed in it. She provided the funding for the space, telling me, ‘I see you’re dreaming big, so I want to support you.’ I was so grateful she could do that for me, but I know not everyone has that option. I’d love to see more funding opportunities specifically for Black-owned businesses because it’s incredibly difficult to access those resources.”
Her dedication has led to countless memorable moments, but one stands out. Sparkle recalled a young girl who attended a workshop while coping with her mother’s hospitalization. “She hadn’t smiled in months,” Sparkle said, her voice breaking slightly. “But that day, she smiled. That’s when I realized this isn’t just about candles. It’s about spreading joy and healing.”
With a background in marketing and journalism, Sparkle has skillfully navigated the challenges of entrepreneurship, staying ahead of trends and leveraging social media to grow her brand. “Social media has been a game-changer,” she said. “But being innovative and setting trends is what keeps us moving forward.”
Coki by Cottage Kind also offers mobile services for weddings, graduations, birthdays, bridal showers, and more.
For Sparkle, it all comes back to the people. “Meeting so many different personalities and seeing their creativity shine is the best part of this journey,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s about creating beautiful memories and a space where everyone feels free to express themselves.”
