When you feel sad or worried, there’s a small Milwaukee business that can help by literally providing light.
Axolotl Artisanal makes scented candles to help people relax and feel calm.
A family business
Axolotl Artisanal is owned by Blanca Bella, 40, and her son, Wesley Cornejo, 20. They started their business four years ago.
“We started making candles because it was a hard time in our life where we didn’t know what to do with our current situation,” Cornejo said.
Helping others with candles
Bella and Cornejo wanted to help people who were feeling sad or stressed. They learned that candles and nice scents can help people relax or meditate.
“We took a lot of inspiration from that and applied it to our business,” Cornejo said.
Making candles helped them
When they started making candles, it helped them feel better. They put their energy and feelings into making something new.
“The sadness that I experienced was due to a divorce and the negative thoughts I was having of maybe not being able to do things alone without a partner,” Cornejo said.
“I started thinking of ways to do better in life,” he said, “and then when I thought of making candles and the process of making them became therapeutic and relaxing.”
Welcoming everyone
Bella and Cornejo want their business to help all people, no matter their background.
“We really like to incorporate everybody,” Cornejo said. “Everybody goes through things in life, whether you’re from a high-income home or a lower income home.”
Joining BizStarts Community Market
Last year, Cornejo met Valerie Schuessler, the manager of BizStarts Community Market, at Frida Fest, an annual celebration of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. BizStarts, 161 S. First St., helps nurture small businesses.
Axolotl Artisanal started at BizStarts by selling its line of car air fresheners before gradually adding more merchandise, including candles and scented oils.
“They came to us with a great product and a strong message,” Schuessler said. “You could see how much heart Wesley and Blanca put into their brand.
“Our goal is to help small businesses grow in a way that is affordable and supportive,” she said. “We’re proud to be part of their journey.”
What makes their candles special
Axolotl Artisanal makes two types of candles: artfully natural and semi-natural.
The artfully natural candles are made with soy wax and essential oils like lavender and chamomile − which help people relax and feel less stressed.
Their most popular candle is eucalyptus lavender mint, which helps with anxiety and stress. They also make roll-on oils for people to use.
Working hard and dreaming big
Cornejo still works cleaning houses while running the candle business. He hopes one day Axolotl Artisanal will be his full-time job.
Bella and Cornejo use their own money to buy supplies like wax, jars and oils. They try to keep their candle prices between $18 and $20 so more people can afford them.
Advice for others
Bella and Cornejo want to inspire other people to follow their dreams, even when it is hard.
“Just keep on pushing on for your small business, because at the end of the day, it’s your dream,” Cornejo said. “Once you start believing in yourself, others will start believing in you as well.”
