Retired Drag Icon is Spreading Light this Holiday Season

Logan Hardcore was a celebrated drag performer, renowned for her biting humor and outrageous performances in New York City and on Fire Island. In September 2022, the performer shocked fans on Instagram, announcing that she was hanging up her heels to pursue other endeavors.

This month, the artist - who now goes by the name Logan Joseph - is finally ready to reveal his bright new plans! He is creating a different kind of light—one that fills homes with warmth and memories through unique, hand-crafted candles. And much like Joseph’s former drag performances, each candle tells its own unique story.

The idea for Radiant Light Candle Co. came to Joseph during a transformative period in his life. "Radiant Light came about two years after I got sober," he explains. "I was beginning to pull myself out of nightlife and preparing to have my daughter. I needed a slower pace that allowed me to be creative. Part of my love for drag was knowing I made an impact on people, and I needed to figure out a way to do that with a physical product." With a love for candles and frustration over the lack of affordable, aesthetically pleasing options, Joseph saw an opportunity. "One night, I couldn’t sleep, and the next day, I began researching what would become Radiant Light."

As the fall and winter seasons approach, Joseph feels it’s the perfect time to spotlight his candles. "Everyone loves a candle during the colder months," he says. "It’s a great time to play with scent. There’s a lot to work with, and people already have favorite fragrances associated with the holidays." His best-selling holiday candle, "Festive," takes a traditional Christmas tree scent and elevates it with hints of berries, setting Radiant Light apart from mass-market options. "I never want to have a scent you can just get in a store. I always want it to be unique."

"For fall, I enjoy using more nature-focused notes, playing with the balance of masculine and feminine scents," he explains. One of his notable candles is called ‘F*ck It, I’m Buying a Cabin.’ “It’s a Christmas cabin in candle form,” Logan Joseph explains. “Together, the name and scent create a full experience."

Radiant Light’s candles, with their distinctive scents and designs, aren’t just products—they’re conversation starters and thoughtful gifts that stand out.

One of Joseph’s first candles, "Mary," is a deeply personal tribute to his late mother. "It’s white sage and lavender—her favorite scent. Creating that candle was my way of honoring her." Another candle, "Cowboy," was designed with his father during his battle with cancer. "He was a real-life cowboy, and we created the scent together. The crackling wood wick reminds me of the fires he would sit by on ranches."

The holidays are especially meaningful for Joseph, who fondly remembers his father’s love for Christmas. He aims to create that same magic for his daughter Chloé.

"Nothing prepares you for becoming a parent,” Logan Joseph reflects. “It’s hard managing everything—I’m a one-man show. In addition to candle making, I work full-time as an Accounts Payable Specialist, and I’m a stay-at-home dad. But my daughter, Chloé, comes first."

Though Joseph’s drag career has taken a backseat, he has considered incorporating candles into a drag show one day down the line. He envisions it as similar to how drag personality Dixie Longate sells Tupperware during her performances. He’s taking his time, though, for now concentrating on creating candles for popular NYC gay pubs Hardware and Pieces.

As Radiant Light Candle Co. looks toward the future, Joseph is hopeful for continued growth. "I want to reach more people, partner with more LGBTQIA+ and sober communities, and continue spreading light—both literally and figuratively,” he says.

Visit www.radiantlightcandleco.com