Three sisters of the Candle of the Planet Sith. Photo Credit: Planet sis Candle
March 5th, 2025, Jessica Militero
Since its founding in October 2021, Planet Sis Candles, a business based in Astoria, has been creating hand-made candles made from organic coconut wax and toxin-free scents. The brand was founded by Jahleesa Wise and her sisters Bella and Shenai with the goal of providing high quality candles that provide environmentally friendly candles.
“We call it an affordable luxury,” Wise said. “We don’t want anyone to ponder between buying candles and paying rent or serving lunch. Our price range is really reasonable for the amount of amazing things you get from it.”
Candles played an important role in the development of sisters. This was often used by mothers as a prayer aid and was associated with health and self-care. With a degree in business and vocal performance, Wise was inspired to create candle brands that reflect those traditions, using the best ingredients available.
Planet sis candlemaking workshop. Photo Credit: Planet sis Candle
“We were always surrounded by candles. We love baths and bodyworks, and our love for something has led us to actually want to do it ourselves, using the best ingredients available,” Wise said. “We use organic coconut wax and the best toxin-free scent.”
Each sister plays a unique role in the business. Wise is often the face of the brand in pop-up shops and workshops, and her sisters focus on marketing and branding. Their close bond strengthened their partnership.
“We’re used to doing everything together, and the first everything is always together,” Wise said. “We talk to each other every day on FaceTime. Now we have kids in our lives. And we can share and create more memories with them.”
The name “Planet Sis Candles” represents both a commitment to sustainability and a deep connection to community and culture.
“‘sis’ is a term for our culture’s love, like ‘Hey Sis, hey girl’, but we also own sisterly,” Wise said. “Our brand is about celebrating our culture and what we love between each other, our shared interests as sisters, and our Queen’s community.”
Hand-made candles from Planet Sis. Photo Credit: Planet sis Candle
Planet Sis candles are available online and through wholesale at several Queens stores, including the Brass Owl in Astoria and the Bliss Vintage in Sunnyside. They previously sold at Earth and Me on Steinway Street before closing, and could continue at Park Slope locations. In addition to retail sales, the sisters frequently attended pop-up events across West Queens, and began organizing candlemaking workshops in October last year in collaboration with local cafes and shops. Workshops are extremely popular and often sell out.
“It talks to people who go out and learn to craft, meet friends, connect and just want to do something,” Wise said. “And I’m grateful that they allowed them to be part of their day craft or a craft part of their journey. My goal is to be everywhere people are and be able to share my love for candlemaking with them.”
Hand-made candles from Planet Sis. Photo Credit: Planet sis Candle
Planet Sis Candles is preparing for the launch of this month’s Spring Collection. This new collection will show you six fresh fragrances inspired by spring cleaning and floral scents. Additionally, the brand plans to expand its product line to include room spray and wax melting.
“We are planning to launch six new fragrances inspired by spring cleaning, fresh flowers, and flowers. And we look forward to doing some kind of Spring Refreshing Workshop series.”
Planet Sis Candles continues to grow and remain true to its mission to bring quality, affordable luxury to the Queens community while celebrating sisterhood and sustainability.
*This story was first published in the March issue of Boro magazine.
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