Batavia maker Jenni Zielke with Illuminate Space inducted into Illinois Made Program

Posted November 29, 2023 10:00 pm

By Kristen Desler Batavia MainStreet

Jenni Zielke, owner of Illuminate Space, leads candle-making workshops at the Candle Bar in the Light & Pine Collective located inside Wilson Street Mercantile. Courtesy of April Duda Photography

Join Batavia MainStreet and the City of Batavia in congratulating Illuminate Space for their induction into Gov. J.B. Pritzker's Illinois Made Program this November.

Pritzker joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, elected officials, and industry leaders to announce 48 small businesses added to their program.

Each year, the Illinois Office of Tourism selects a group of local businesses that exemplify the authentic experiences and innovative products that make Illinois an incredible destination to explore for residents and visitors alike.

"Batavia MainStreet certainly agrees that local business owner, Jenni Zielke, contributes to the innovative and collaborative small business community in Downtown Batavia," said Beth Walker, Batavia MainStreet executive director.

Zielke is co-owner of Light & Pine Collective inside the Wilson Street Mercantile at 222 E. Wilson St. in Batavia. Her business, Illuminate Space, sells small batch hand-poured soy candles, and nontoxic home fragrances.

She started her business in 2016 and joined forces with her Light & Pine business partner Suzy Ray in 2020 to open a retail space during the first season of the Batavia Boardwalk Shops.

Since that time, Zielke has become an advocate for the small business community. She sells handcrafted and curated goods from local women artisans within her store, as well as hosts a podcast with her sister Christina, "Small Business Sisters" where they share practical tips about small business and personal growth.

Encouraging others to become makers as well, Zielke hosts "Candle Bar Hours" and "Pour Parties" throughout the month inside the Wilson Street Mercantile where participants can create their own custom-scented soy candles.

"Jenni and Illuminate Space exemplify the success Batavia MainStreet and the City of Batavia has always intended for the Boardwalk Shops small business incubator program," said Laura Newman, Batavia city administrator. "We are pleased to congratulate Jenni on this prestigious recognition."

Shop Illuminate Space in-store or online by visiting illuminate-space.com.

Make your own soy candles at the Illuminate Space's Candle Bar in the Light & Pine Collective located inside Wilson Street Mercantile. Courtesy of April Duda Photography

In 2021, Jenni Zielke, owner of Illuminate Space, started the "Small Business Sisters" podcast with her sister. Courtesy of April Duda Photography

Illuminate Space got its start as one of the first Batavia Boardwalk Shops, the small business incubator program. Courtesy of April Duda Photography

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