Customer Experience Associate

The Candle Pour; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Candle Pour in Sarasota is seeking a Customer Experience Associate to greet guests, guide candle-making experiences, and drive sales in a fast-paced studio environment. You will help with stocking, displays, and event support while delivering memorable, personalized service to every guest.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in service, hospitality, or retail, strong communication, and a friendly, professional demeanor. Availability weekends and evenings is required.

Qualifications

• Excellent customer service and personable demeanor.
• Strong communication and active listening skills.
• Proven ability to drive sales in a retail/hospitality setting.
• Dependable attendance and ability to work flexible hours.

Responsibilities

• Greet guests and guide them through the candle-making process.
• Support daily retail operations, sales goals, and event execution.
• Stock, organize, and maintain displays and fragrance stations.
• Deliver memorable, personalized experiences to guests.
• Assist with in-house and off-site events and community engagement.

Skills

Customer service

Sales

Communication

Guest relations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About The Candle Pour

Welcome to The Candle Pour – Tampa Bay's premier custom candle experience. Established in 2019 by Misty and Dennis Akers, our family-owned business is dedicated to fostering an interactive and social atmosphere in the vibrant communities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota. Our team plays a crucial role in maintaining the success and warmth of The Candle Pour brand. As our business continues to grow, we take pride in our commitment to providing an excellent work environment for our team, complete with ample growth opportunities.

Why Join Us?

Join The Candle Pour in Sarasota as a Customer Experience Associate, where you are not just assisting customers — you are guiding experiences, driving sales, and bringing energy to the studio floor. This role is customer-facing, fast-paced, and hands-on, ideal for someone who thrives on connection, conversation, and creating memorable moments.

You will be a key part of ensuring that every guest feels welcomed, guided, and inspired — whether they’re pouring their first candle, attending a private event, or returning as a loyal regular.

Role Overview

As a Customer Experience Associate, you are the face of The Candle Pour. Your primary focus is to deliver exceptional guest experiences while supporting daily retail operations, sales goals, daily business flow, and event execution. You will guide customers through the custom candle-making process, support retail product sales, assist with shop upkeep, and contribute to a lively, welcoming environment.

This role is ideal for individuals who love people, creativity, and connection — and who want to play a meaningful role in delivering unforgettable experiences at The Candle Pour.

Hours: 25-40 hours/week, 3-5 days/week

Saturday & Sunday availability required.

Please do not call or visit our locations.

Key Responsibilities

Crafting Customized Experiences

• Greet guests and guide them through the custom candle-making process, from fragrance selection to pouring.
• Educate customers on fragrance notes, blending techniques, and product options to help them create a scent they love.

Driving Sales & Studio Success

• Actively contribute to daily sales goals through candle pours, retail product recommendations, upgrades, and add-ons.
• Support individual and team sales targets with a customer-first mindset.

Retail & Studio Support

• Assist with stocking, organizing, and maintaining retail displays and fragrance stations.
• Help prep studio supplies, vessels, and materials to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and inviting studio environment throughout each shift.

Creating WOW Moments

• Deliver memorable, personalized experiences that turn first-time guests into repeat customers.
• Anticipate guest needs and exceed expectations through thoughtful service.

Events & Community Engagement

• Support in-house and off-site events, including private parties, corporate events, and collaborations.
• Engage with guests, local partners, and the community to extend The Candle Pour experience beyond the studio.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with fellow associates and leadership to ensure smooth studio flow during busy periods.
• Communicate effectively to support scheduling, event transitions, and guest needs.

Qualifications

• Exceptional customer service skills with a warm, engaging presence.
• Ability to multitask and stay organized in a fast-paced, high-energy environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven success in sales, hospitality, or customer-facing roles.
• Excellent listening skills and attention to detail while remaining customer-focused.
• Friendly, outgoing, and professional appearance and demeanor.
• Dependable transportation and reliable attendance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant service industry, hospitality, retail, or customer service experience.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work flexible hours between 9 am–9 pm, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to participate in a live video interview for the initial stage of the hiring process.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to participate in a live video interview for the initial stage of the hiring process.
• Employees are expected to wear the company uniform and maintain a polished, professional appearance.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background and drug screenings, in accordance with applicable laws.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.

The Candle Pour is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment policies and decisions on employment and promotion are based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs. The decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes.