Nearly 100 Guests Brave the Rain to Celebrate the Opening of expeRHEEnce, a Candle Bar in South Shore


Nearly 100 Guests Brave the Rain to Celebrate the Opening of expeRHEEnce, a Candle Bar in South Shore

Ribbon-cutting ceremony honors entrepreneurship, neighborhood investment and the lasting legacy of owner Syreeta Talbert’s family


Nearly 100 family members, friends, community leaders, elected officials and other special guests gathered on a Sunday despite the rain to celebrate the ribbon cutting and opening of expeRHEEnce, a Candle Bar, at 1917 E. 79th St. in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. The strong turnout reflected the community’s support for owner and senior Scentologist Syreeta Talbert and her vision to create a welcoming destination centered on creativity, connection, and memorable experiences.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Talbert for the ceremony, along with Chicago Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Ciere Boatright; Reuben Waddy, vice president and Neighborhood Opportunity Fund director of SomerCor; Alvin Rider, representing Ald. Michelle Harris and the 8th Ward; and the Rev. Stephen Thurston, who served as master of ceremonies and offered the opening prayer and blessing. Speakers congratulated Talbert and recognized the new business as an important investment in South Shore and the 79th Street corridor.

The project received support from the City of Chicago’s Neighborhood Opportunity Fund, which helped finance capital improvements and the property's transformation into an immersive, multilevel candle-making destination. The funding helped Talbert move the business from vision to reality while creating a new attraction designed to bring visitors, jobs and continued economic activity to the neighborhood.

“I wanted to create something beautiful and welcoming right here in South Shore, but I also wanted to address what I call a ‘fun desert,’” Talbert said. “We have so much in our community, but we simply don’t have enough places and activities where people can come together, have fun, celebrate, and enjoy unique experiences.

“Our residents shouldn’t always have to leave the neighborhood to find something different to do or to create meaningful moments with the people they love. I wanted to bring more of those opportunities right here to the block. expeRHEEnce is a place for us to gather, create, celebrate, have fun, and make memories right here in our own community.”

Following the ribbon cutting, the mayor and other special guests were invited inside to tour the new space and make custom candles at the candle bar. Guests experienced Wax on Tap, which lets them explore fragrances, create personalized scents and pour their own candles. The building also includes Private Pour suites for celebrations, date nights, girls’ nights, group outings, corporate events, and other private experiences.

The opening held deep personal meaning for Talbert because it took place nine years after her son Jalen's passing. The day became both a celebration of his life and a tribute to Talbert’s father, who encouraged her to believe that anything was possible. Their influence helped inspire her commitment to building a business rooted in purpose, resilience, and legacy. Her brother, Baku Talbert, co-owns the business, making the opening an especially meaningful milestone for the entire family.

expeRHEEnce, a Candle Bar, is positioned to become a new South Shore destination where residents and visitors can create, connect, and celebrate without leaving the neighborhood.

For additional information, visit www.experheence.com or follow @experheencecandlebar on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

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