A vacation to the southwest led to downtown Milford's newest business.

Matthew Long, who owns the Beyond Juicery + Eatery in Milford and ran the Main Street Gift Co., in the village, has brought yet another new concept to the west Oakland County community: North-End Market Candle Bar.

After vacationing in Phoenix last fall, he visited a candle bar where visitors craft a candle using their own desired blend of scents. After realizing he wanted to do something similar in Milford, he decided to expand it and bring two businesses under one roof.

"I got the idea to take Main Street Gift Co., and merge in with it and basically create an all-in-one experience where you can eat, drink and shop all in one spot," he said.

The candle bar allows guests to select a container and work with employees to craft a unique smell for their creation. Using more than 100 scents, guests can make a candle that smells like beer, French toast and more.

Once that candle is burned through, many of the containers can be reused. Options include traditional candle holders, but also include more functional items such as teacups and even planters in the shape of a llama.

"Everything's got a reusable purpose," he said. 

Occupying the space formerly held by Amber Lights at 435 N. Main St., Long has moved his gift supplies out of the small room behind the Beyond shop and brought it to the new space. He signed a lease for the space about a month ago, redoing the entire space and adding the bar to the storefront.  It opens March 29.

Long said the business fits perfectly in a downtown with plenty of options for entertainment. Because the candles take some time to set after being poured, he encourages visitors create their candle and then go out shopping or grab dinner. Afterward, they can return and pick up their creation.

"We do encourage them to go out and check our town out," Long said. "I love working with other businesses around here and make sure they're doing good."

He said he's partnering with some businesses around town for specials and hopes to create more partnerships in the future. 

In addition to the candles, customers can create other scented items, including soap. He's also expanded the selection of the gift shop, including more health and beauty products; food items and more. Long said they also expect to have seasonal items throughout the year as well.

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Those looking to hold a special event such as a bachelorette party or corporate event can rent the market as well. The bar can hold about two dozen people at a time.

Walk-ins are accepted if there's space, though reservations are preferred. More information, including how to book a time, can be found online at milfordcandlebar.com.

The business is just the latest venture for Long, a White Lake resident, who longs to promote downtown Milford as much as he can. Bringing a new concept, he said, will hopefully bring customers from all over the region to enjoy what Milford has to offer.

"I just want to bring something that's new that's exciting and brings people to our town," he said. "We have one of the prettiest downtowns in the whole area."

Contact reporter David Veselenak at dveselenak@hometownlife.com or 734-678-6728. Follow him on Twitter @davidveselenak.