South Minneapolis Candle Store Vandalized for “Gentrifying” the Neighborhood

Credit: Frostbeard Studio

“We are not a big corporation trying to gentrify the neighborhood.” Tom and Roxie Lubanovic

Minneapolis, MN – A candle store in South Minneapolis was vandalized early Sunday morning for trying to “gentrify” the neighborhood.

Tucked in between the Central and Powderhorn neighborhoods of South Minneapolis is Frostbeard Studio, an artisan candle shop for bibliophiles. Their variety of book-themed products and scents are created with the “book nerd” in mind.

Early Sunday morning, somebody broke four storefront windows and left graffiti. The owners, Tom and Roxie Lubanovic, are calling it a “targeted crime.”

“We are not a big corporation trying to gentrify the neighborhood (quite the opposite),” the couple wrote in a Facebook post.

The Lubanovics opened their candle shop in South Minneapolis because they love the “diversity and thriving art scene” the area has to offer. Their support of the culture of their neighborhood made the attack even more surprising.

“Please,” they wrote, “if you have concerns about us or our business, talk to us. Hear our story. Don’t resort to violence.”

The Facebook post received many positive comments coming out in support of the business. One commenter suggested starting a fundraising campaign, but the company graciously turned down the offer saying their insurance should cover the incident.

Christine Bauman