NEWPORT, R.I. — Newport was one of the first cities in America to be illuminated by street lights. According to some historians, it was the Black women of the Mt. Zion Church who played a critical role in lighting those streets.
These women, known as “luminaries,’’ made candles by hand, and then placed them in lanterns. Their contributions, according to local Sierra Jones, are usually overlooked, but still reflect a legacy of resilience, craftsmanship, and community care.
Two centuries later, Jones now sees herself as carrying their torch. In July 2024, she opened LMNRY, formerly known as Luxurious Luminaries, which became the only Black woman-owned business on historic Thames Street.
LMNRY, which is pronounced Luminary, crafts candles from coconut soy wax and uses wooden wicks. She offers a candle-making experience class, which dives into the history of the craft and candle-making in Newport. (This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
Q: How does the business rekindle the forgotten legacy of Black women in Newport?
Jones: Newport’s Black history, like much of Black history in America, was told rather than officially recorded, leaving many stories missing or lost to time. What little we know about the Black women candle-makers of Newport comes from oral history shared by Rev. Alvin Riley of Mt. Zion Church. He recounted how Black women from the church made candles, which were then used to light the city’s streets.
Any historical records that would have been recorded were tragically lost when the original church burned down.
LMNRY helps rekindle that history by honoring the legacy of the Black women who crafted candles to ensure Newport’s streets were lit at night. Newport was among the earliest cities in the country to have street lights, and the contributions of Black women were crucial to making that happen. Through candle-making, I am continuing their craft, sharing their story, and making sure their impact is recognized and remembered.
Q: How does LMNRY fit into your own personal and professional background?
I began my career in retail, transitioned to working at a hotel front desk, moved to casino gaming, and then shifted to conventional banking. Through these experiences, I have always been creative. I had a passion for fashion and went to school for early childhood education. I always wanted to own a boutique, initially envisioning a clothing store. At 27, I was diagnosed with polymyositis, a condition affecting my muscles, which allowed me to discover candles as the ideal medium. Candle-making allows me to work around my condition by pouring candles and resting while they cure and designing labels from my bed on high pain days. My business perfectly aligns with my background combining my entrepreneurial spirit with my love for teaching and creativity.
Q: Where are you sourcing your ingredients from?
My candles are sourced from a select group of small candle supply vendors across the country who prioritize quality and ethical sourcing. I use high-end clean burning materials that are all Prop 65 compliant, phthalate-free, and nontoxic, ensuring a safe and luxurious experience with every candle.
Q: What does it mean to you to be the only Black woman to own a business on historic Thames Street?
To me, representation is very important. I was born here in Newport, but becoming a business owner has introduced me to an entirely new side of this place that has been here the whole time. It’s a different world. I have had the opportunity to sit at tables I never imagined I would, but it hasn’t always been easy. I have met resistance, and there has been little to no advocacy or support. That is why I know there is still more work to do. I want to help other women and aspiring business owners not just find a seat at the table but build their own.
Q: Speaking from your experience opening the business, what changes would you like to see in Newport’s small business community to make it more diverse and inclusive?
It’s a common misconception that Newport residents don’t need resources. Through organizations like Entrepreneurship for All Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Black Business Association, I’ve gained valuable insights and mentorship. These experiences led me to obtain my Minority Business Enterprise and Woman Business Enterprise certifications, which have been crucial in my business journey. Recognizing the need for greater diversity and support or underrepresented business owners in Newport, I founded the Newport Unity Business Network. We serve as a liaison, connecting aspiring entrepreneurs to organizations offering essential resources.
Q: What goals do you have for the next year? What about the next five years?
I plan to ramp up production and marketing to position LMNRY to be in stores and one day amongst the likes of Jo Malone, Harlem Candle Co,. and Diptyque. I also aim to create more local jobs by hiring employees to host candle-making experiences at our shop.
Q: What challenges are you facing, and how do you plan on overcoming them?
Building LMNRY from the ground up from nothing comes with imposter syndrome, especially as a nontraditional business owner on Thames. I combat this by owning my space and proving that there’s room at the table for everyone here. Lack of access to capital, inventory management, and staffing are ongoing challenges, but I’m handling that with strategic reinvestment, refining operations and building a passionate team. I also face competition from non-local franchises, making it crucial to highlight the authenticity and essence of Newport and the importance of shopping local.
With limited representation in this space, I’m committed to not only growing my business, but inspiring and supporting others to do the same.
Alexa Gagosz can be reached at alexa.gagosz@globe.com.
