Owners: John Van Dyke and Ross Sinfield
By Ann Marie Byrd, Feature Writer
Joy and Light, located at 226 Craven Street in downtown New Bern, is a cheerful little shop, filled with eclectic items that are inspired to bring happiness and illumination to people’s lives.
This charming place features candles, wax melts and soap—hand-made by owners John Van Dyke and Ross Sinfield.
“People come in and say they like the good vibes created by the music, the windchimes, the scents,” says John. “It’s more than just a store to our customers because it makes them feel good. I love knowing that it is a sanctuary for people where they can relax, smile, and enjoy a unique, soothing environment that stimulates the senses in all the right ways.”
John and Ross also carefully curate the shop with a wide variety of super groovy, fair-trade items that are all handmade—locally, nationally and globally. Local artists, and artisans from across the globe provide unique home and garden décor items, bags, tapestries, jewelry and more.
Other treasures include wellness items such as soothing herbal teas, crystals for inner balance, peaceful windchimes, purifying sage and earthy incense and essential oils to set just the right mood in the home.
During the Christmas season, John and Ross’ candles and melts feature holiday inspired fragrances such orange cinnamon spice, winter solstice (eucalyptus, spruce, peppermint), gingerbread man, Christmas tree (Frasier fur and blue spruce), and cranberry spice.
Other special holiday items include Mexican and southwestern style holiday home décor such as edible hatch chile ristras and red-pepper wreaths.
“We would also like to extend an open invitation to local artisans to come visit us so that we may sell their work in the shop,” says Ross, who first began making candles in the 1990s in Los Angeles while his partner, John was working in cabaret and city clubs.
The couple moved to New Bern in 2005, and opened their store on Craven Street in April 2021.
“Our store is an embodiment of all the elements: Earth (rocks crystals), Wind (windchimes), Water (fountains) and Fire (candles),” says John. “We hope that when people come and visit us that they feel more grounded and peaceful in the midst of our crazy world, and that ultimately they are filled with joy and light.”