September always feels like a fresh start. The air sharpens, the light shifts, and suddenly I’m ready for structure again after the sprawl of summer. Maybe it’s years of back-to-school conditioning, but I’ve always treated September like a quieter, more grown-up version of January, a reset button wrapped in plaid.
At the shop, that reset looks like candles in deeper, moodier scents being poured, shelves rearranged with books that feel like fall, and the first whispers of our autumn events coming to life. This month you’ll find our Dead Poets Society candle glowing with plum leather, and sandalwood, our Stars Hollow collection getting its annual spotlight, and a whole display of dark academia novels waiting for readers who want to lean into the season. Customers have already started curling up on the couch by the fireplace, candle flickering nearby, book in hand (exactly how I dreamed this space would be used).
But beyond the shop, I like to treat September as a personal reset, too. I created what I call a seasonal “curriculum” for myself: books, projects, and ideas I want to dig into, the way you’d build a course schedule for the year. This season, my curriculum includes every day life in history and I'm leaning into Ancient Rome, the Victorian era, and the Tudor period. It’s a way of reminding myself that learning and curiosity don’t end with school, they’re something we can build into our everyday lives.
I’ve also been gathering the small comforts that make the season feel special. A few of my recent finds:
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A new plaid throw blanket that already lives on the shop couch.
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A set of linen napkins (because even weeknight dinners deserve a little beauty).
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A ceramic mug that’s become my go-to for morning coffee and late-night tea.
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An armful of grocery store sunflowers, because September always feels like their moment.
Here’s a little more of what’s been inspiring me this month:
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What I’m currently reading: The Secret History by Donna Tartt, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, James by Percival Everett, and The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones.
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What Justin is currently reading: The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty and he's still working his way through Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
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What I’m cooking: a pot of beef stew for the first truly cool night and my go-to cinnamon banana bread muffins recipe that make the house smell better than any candle I could pour.
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What I’m watching: Dead Poets Society (a classic rewatch this time of year) and You've Got Mail queued up for when September tips into October.
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What I’m loving online: this Gilmore Girls themed podcast, this dark academia themed playlist on Spotify, and a roundup of cozy fall soups to make this season.
We’ve also filled the calendar at the shop with events that we hope make the space feel like a little community living room: story hours, movie nights, workshops, and book club gatherings. Whether you join us for a candle pouring night, come in to browse, or just stop by for a quiet moment to read in the shop, we want September here to feel like stepping into a chapter of your favorite novel.
What’s Happening the Rest of September
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Dead Poets Society Movie Night – Sept 21, 5 PM (ticketed)
Celebrate the season of dark academia with us - snacks, flickering candles, and a classic film on the big screen. -
Tales of the Dark Mini Candle Collection – Sept 22
A limited-edition set inspired by gothic tales and eerie autumn nights. Available in-store and online while supplies last. -
Bibliophile Book Club – Sept 25, 6 PM
This month’s pick: James by Percival Everett. Come whether you’ve finished the book or not, it’s all about the conversation. -
September Candle Workshop – Sept 26 (a few tickets left!)
Learn the basics of candle pouring and create your own hand-poured candle to take home. -
Mill Street Market – Sept 28, 9–4 at Creekside
Find us at Gahanna’s beloved fall market! We’ll have a booth filled with bookish fall candles.
So here’s to fresh starts, flickering candles, books stacked on nightstands, and the little rituals that make this season worth savoring. September is only just beginning, there’s plenty of time to fill it with small comforts.