RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. – April 18, 2025 – Boxyard RTP, the experiential dining and retail destination in the heart of Research Triangle Park (RTP), today announced Kindred Spirit, a woman-owned, North Carolina-based candle and home goods business, is now open, joining the Boxyard lineup as a limited-time pop-up vendor.
Kindred Spirit has grown into a unique and thriving small business rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling. Founded in 2020 by mother-son duo Monique Mackey and Adrian Moody, comes a new vision for how the Triangle experiences scent. Drawing on Mackey’s creativity and passion for candles, the duo has already produced and sold more than 4,000 candles, each made with care, meticulous attention to detail, and inspired by meaningful moments.
“As a North Carolina business owner, expanding Kindred Spirit to Boxyard RTP’s vibrant, creative community is incredibly exciting,” said Monique Mackey, owner of Kindred Spirit. “Boxyard is a hub for diverse entrepreneurship and the perfect place for us to connect with fellow makers and share our story – and our candles – with a broader clientele. We’re thrilled to bring our passion for quality candles and the power of scent to the RTP community.”
Committed to using only the finest ingredients, Kindred Spirit offers a variety of thoughtfully crafted scents, many named after family members or cherished memories. The new Boxyard RTP pop-up features the high-quality, handcrafted candles Kindred Spirit is known for, along with wax melts, room and linen sprays, plant-based cleaners and laundry boosters. Visitors can explore fragrances across a range of profiles, including floral, fruity, woody and seasonal scents, each designed to evoke a feeling, spark a memory or set the mood.
Expanding the Kindred Spirit experience is an interactive refillery and scent bar where customers can customize eco-friendly, unscented bulk items. Guests bring their own empty containers—or purchase one on-site—buy by the ounce and add a personal touch with their favorite fragrance. For younger visitors, the Sand Candle Creation Station offers a hands-on way for children to design their own colorful candles. Adults can enjoy a build-your-own candle bar to create a custom blend. Whether shopping for home essentials or looking for a creative family outing, Kindred Spirit at Boxyard RTP invites guests to explore, connect and create in a welcoming, scent-filled space.
“At Boxyard RTP, we enjoy partnering with vendors to not only create unique experiences but also reflect values important to our community,” said Carolyn Coia, vice president of real estate at Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina. “As stewards of RTP, we aim to foster innovation and environmental responsibility. Kindred Spirit’s refillery model and thoughtful approach to reducing waste reflect the kind of mindful growth we’re proud to champion.”
Kindred Spirit is located at Boxyard RTP, 900 Park Offices Drive, Suite 160 within Hub RTP, the vibrant downtown destination for Research Triangle Park. To explore the Kindred Spirit fragrance library, learn more about the story behind each scent and shop online, visit https://kindredspiritcandlecompany.com.
About Boxyard RTP
Boxyard RTP is a retail and venue space comprised of 40 upcycled shipping containers located on the western side of Hub RTP, the Park’s 100-acre downtown district. Here, people can unwind and enjoy an experience unique to the Triangle region. Committed to social entrepreneurship, Boxyard RTP represents a diverse mix of vendors, offerings and events that are accessible to people in and out of RTP. First opened in 2021, the venue includes an indoor-outdoor gathering space, dog park and performance stage with a robust event program featuring music, fitness classes, comedy nights and more. For more information, visit https://boxyard.rtp.org.
About Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina
Since 1959, the Research Triangle Foundation of North Carolina (RTF) has served Research Triangle Park in its mission to facilitate collaboration among our region’s industries, universities, and workforce and create economic impact for the residents of North Carolina by attracting the world’s most innovative companies and top-tier talent to North Carolina. Comprised of 7,000 acres, its boundaries are centrally located among Duke University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. RTP is home to 55,000 employees and more than 375 companies and national labs, including Apple, BASF, Biogen, Cisco Systems, EPA, Fidelity Investments, IBM, LabCorp, Lenovo, Eli Lilly, NetApp, NIEHS, RTI International and United Therapeutics. For more information, visit https://rtp.org.
Media Contact
Ana Velez
Marketing Manager
velez@rtp.org