Local Craftsman Illuminates Westchester with Heart

After years of dazzling audiences in New York City and Fire Island as drag performer Logan Hardcore, Logan Slaughter has embarked on a luminous new venture: Radiant Light Candle Co. Based in Westchester, NY, his handcrafted candles reflect a journey of transformation, creativity, and resilience. This holiday season, Westchester residents can experience his work firsthand at the White Plains Holiday Market, where Slaughter will showcase festive scents from his collection from December 11 through December 22.

Slaughter’s transition from the stage to the candle studio was sparked by his sobriety journey and a need to channel his artistic energy. “After quitting performing and reaching sobriety, I needed an outlet for my creativity,” Slaughter shares. “I’ve always loved candles, but I felt there was no middle ground between affordable, low-quality candles and expensive, high-end ones. I wanted to create a high-performing candle at a reasonable price.”

Relocating from NYC to Westchester was pivotal in bringing this dream to life. Starting in his garage in Harrison, Slaughter was able to hone his craft before moving into a dedicated studio in his new Bedford home. “The space I needed simply wasn’t possible in the city,” he explains. “Now, I have room to experiment and grow.”

At the heart of Radiant Light Candle Co. is a commitment to personal storytelling and community connection. Many of the brand’s candles are deeply inspired by Slaughter’s family. The Cowboy candle, created in collaboration with his father during his battle with cancer, holds special significance. “He chose the scent, the wooden wick for its crackling sound, and the label design, which features the cowboy hat tattoo I have on my finger,” Slaughter says. “It was a labor of love and a tribute to his strength.”

Similarly, the Mary candle is a tribute to Slaughter’s late mother, embodying her resilience with her favorite lavender fragrance. These personal touches set Radiant Light apart, turning each candle into more than just a product—it’s a piece of Slaughter’s story.

Craftsmanship and quality are non-negotiables for Slaughter who was named Best Candlemaker of the Year 2024 by Westchester Magazine. Each candle is hand-poured in small batches using 100% coconut wax, chosen for its clean burn and excellent scent throw. “I wanted the cleanest burning candles possible,” he says, noting the importance of safety, especially with his young daughter, Chloé, at home. “With over 1,000 sales, I’ve never had complaints about smoke or air quality issues, which is critical to me.”

Slaughter’s designs prioritize both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The Essential Collection features sleek, matte black vessels that complement any décor, while the Pride candles are hand-dyed with vibrant rainbow colors, ensuring each one is unique. “Candles should not only smell amazing but also elevate a space visually,” he adds.

The entrepreneurial skills Slaughter honed during his drag career have been invaluable in building Radiant Light. “Drag was my crash course in business,” he reflects. “It wasn’t until a friend, Bianca Del Rio, sat me down and explained the importance of treating it as a business that I truly understood. That hustle and drive have translated directly into my candle-making.”

This holiday season, Radiant Light’s top-selling candles include the returning favorites Festive and Sleigh. “Festive sells out every year—it’s our number-one holiday scent,” he notes. “I’m excited to see how our four new holiday scents resonate with customers this year.”

For those eager to experience Radiant Light in person, the White Plains Holiday Market is a must-visit. Located on Court Street between Main Street and Martine Avenue, the market offers a perfect opportunity to discover Slaughter’s unique creations and pick up gifts for loved ones. “I love connecting with the community through events like this,” Slaughter says. “It’s rewarding to see people’s reactions to the candles and hear their stories.”

Looking ahead, Slaughter has ambitious plans for Radiant Light. He aims to partner with local boutiques in Westchester and beyond, while also expanding his product line to include bath bombs and body products. “I’m constantly thinking about how to evolve and meet the needs of my customers,” he says.

Visit Radiant Light at the White Plains Holiday Market from December 11–22 or explore the collection online at RadiantLightCandleCo.com.