Ember & rose designs’ first storefront will open at 1916 Central Avenue, replacing SaltLight Art, in the Grand Central District | St. Pete rising

A new candle and floral shop centered around handcrafted goods and interactive experiences is coming to the Grand Central District.

Ember & Rose Designs, founded by Brandon Sexton and Mellisa Miyoshi, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location at 1916 Central Avenue. The space was previously occupied by SaltLight Art, which is relocating next door.

The business launched less than a year ago, with Sexton and Miyoshi producing candles and floral arrangements out of their home in Tampa.

Demand quickly outgrew the residential setup, leading the pair to relocate both their home and business to St. Pete.

“We love the locals and want to bring something special to this community,” Miyoshi said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. She also credited SaltLight Art owner Mary Long with helping guide them through the process of opening the storefront.

The interior design and layout of the new shop | ember & rose designs

Interior buildout is expected to begin in June, with the shop targeting an August opening.

An existing mural by local artist Michelle Sasha depicting an octopus wrapping its tentacles around the building will remain as part of the storefront’s design.

Inside, the approximately 1,000-square-foot space will feature dark hunter green walls, gold accents, refrigerators stocked with pre-arranged bouquets and single-stem florals, and shelves lined with candles.

A five-seat high-top bar overlooking the workspace will allow customers to watch the candle-making and floral design process in real time.

“At the table, we are going to offer experiences such as classes on candle making, creating room sprays, and build-your-own bouquets and wreaths,” Sexton said. “We are not your typical flower and candle shop. We are bringing an experience. We want you to be able to create something that no one else has,” Sexton added.

The shop’s candles are hand-poured using a coconut-soy wax blend designed to provide a cleaner, longer-lasting burn. The current lineup includes six scents, many inspired by Florida.

Among them is Golden Grove, a citrus-forward candle inspired by orange groves and topped with a hand-poured wax lemon slice.

Another, Coastal Dusk, blends notes of coastal air and sun-warmed wood.

The business plans to eventually expand its offerings to around 10 candle varieties, including seasonal and specialty scents.

The candles are available in both 8-ounce and 12-ounce sizes, with burn times ranging from approximately 60 to 120 hours.

All of ember & rose’s candles are made from a blend of coconut and soy wax and have decorative wax melts | ember & rose designs

On the floral side, Miyoshi said arrangements will be highly customizable and designed around seasonal availability and customer preferences.

The shop plans to source blooms from regional wholesalers, including Fletch Wholesale in Pinellas Park and Carlstedt's Wholesale Florist in Tampa, while also incorporating vintage vases into select arrangements.

Miyoshi said her interest in floral design was inspired by her mother, who worked with faux flowers.

In addition to candles and florals, Ember & Rose may also offer gift baskets, gourmet chocolates, home decor, artwork from local makers, and leather goods crafted by Sexton’s father.

The shop initially plans to operate daily from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. Local delivery will be available for floral arrangements, and candle orders will ship nationwide.

Even after opening the storefront, Sexton and Miyoshi plan to continue participating in local markets and pop-up events throughout St. Pete, including upcoming Makers + Shakers events at St. Petersburg Distillery.

Be sure to follow Ember & Rose on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on the latest offerings and grand opening plans.