Tucked away on a tree-lined stretch of Washington Street, Three of Cups Candle Company specializes in intentionally curated, creative fragrances along with an expansive selection of assorted thrift finds and handmade goods.

Named after the tarot card representing community and celebration, Three of Cups first began as a passion project with owner Logan Cypher-Andrus making personalized candles for his family and friends in 2020. After transitioning to Instagram at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the online business has since evolved into a brick-and-mortar storefront, officially opening its doors four years ago. With a commitment to all-natural ingredients and imaginative scents customers won’t find anywhere else, Cypher-Andrus believes the candles available at Three of Cups can help set up the perfect ambience in any space.

“My shop was founded in 2021 with a simple purpose: to craft original evocative scents without compromising on quality or sustainability, along with keeping everything affordable and within reach,” Cypher-Andrus wrote to Pipe Dream. “Each candle I make in house is thoughtfully hand-poured using 100% organic, clean-burning soy wax to ensure both a long lasting burn but also giving the consumer the peace of mind of not having something in your home full of harsh chemicals.”

Overflowing corners of the shop and spilling over dark-paneled wood floors is a treasure trove of eclectic vintage decor, brightly colored glassware and racks of hand-bleached t-shirts. The store also offers an array of specialty loose-leaf tea blends brewed by a local tea maker from Sidney, New York, making for a variety of items that invigorate all the senses.

Shelves wrap around the walls showcasing the shop’s namesake candles in every scent conceivable — creating what Cypher-Andrus calls a “one-stop-shop of unique gifts” for customers to browse.

“I most importantly want anyone who steps in my shop to feel welcome, comfortable and relaxed when shopping in the space I have created,” Cypher-Andrus wrote. “When they leave with a candle, tea, or vintage item, I want them to feel both the love and intention behind each item they purchased, and know that their purchase is directly going to a small business without any corporate backing.”

His philosophy shines through a series of 10 year-round signature scents and rotating seasonal and themed collections. Regular customers especially look forward to the unveiling of Three of Cups’ Winter Collection, with a set of five candles often selling out before the holidays. Among the most popular candles are signature scents like Black Cat, Dope Druid and Sea Siren — all whimsically titled with original blends to match. The wide selection of aromas at Three of Cups is designed to bring all kinds of aesthetics and atmospheres to life, whether you’re looking to be transported deep into earthy woodlands or searching for a calming touch of the ocean waves.

Some of the shop’s most unique offerings include a series inspired by the four Hogwarts houses from the “Harry Potter” universe, from the warmth of spiced cinnamon and burning firewood of Gryffindor’s common room to delicate florals mingling with leather-bound books and aged parchment found in the Ravenclaw tower.

“A lot of the inspiration from our candles come from mysticism and fantasy pop-culture and classic literature,” Cypher-Andrus wrote. “We have collections ranging from candles representing Olympian Gods and fairy tale characters to candles representing the seven chakras or hand lines in palmistry. First I start with an idea, then start the process of creating testers and slightly changing the blend until it perfectly encapsulates the idea I was going for.”

Having partnered with several local vendors in the past to host pop-up markets and DIY-style events, Cypher-Andrus explained the value businesses bring to Binghamton and the kind of impact that shopping small can have on the community.

“Small businesses like ours are vital to the heart of Binghamton because we create more than just a place to shop, but a place to connect,” Cypher-Andrus wrote. “As a locally owned shop, we keep money circulating within Binghamton, supporting other local makers and vendors by having them pop-up in our space to create a platform for others to be able to sell their art/creations, and help contribute to a vibrant, walkable downtown area.”

“Beyond our products, we value being present in the community through events, collaborations, and shared passion for Binghamton and its growth,” he added. “Small businesses give Binghamton its character and resilience.”