
From Healing to Business: The Journey of Axolotl Artisanal
In the heart of Milwaukee, a unique family business is lighting up the community in more ways than one. Axolotl Artisanal, founded by mother-son duo Blanca Bella and Wesley Cornejo, specializes in scented candles that not only provide ambiance but also emotional comfort. What started as a therapeutic hobby has blossomed into a small but impactful business over the last four years.
Finding Light in Dark Times
The inspiration for Axolotl Artisanal came during a trying period in their lives. As Cornejo recounts, "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." The art of candle-making became a therapeutic outlet, allowing them to transform their emotions into something beautiful and potentially healing for others.
More than Just Candles: A Message of Inclusion
At its core, Axolotl Artisanal aims to follow the ethos of accessibility and inclusivity. "We really like to incorporate everybody," Cornejo says, reflecting their commitment to providing calming products regardless of one's background or financial situation. This belief has propelled their business model, making their candles affordable at prices ranging from $18 to $20.
Connecting with the Community
Part of their success can be attributed to their involvement in the BizStarts Community Market. Through this platform, they expanded their product line from car air fresheners to include their highly popular eucalyptus lavender mint candle, known for alleviating anxiety and stress. Valerie Schuessler, the market manager, highlighted their "great product and a strong message," underscoring the connection between their craftsmanship and community support.
Dreams in the Making
Balancing a day job and a growing business, Cornejo’s long-term goal is to make Axolotl Artisanal his full-time livelihood. Both he and Bella use their personal finances to keep the business afloat, showing dedication to their craft and their vision. They offer inspiring advice for budding entrepreneurs — “Just keep on pushing on for your small business, because at the end of the day, it’s your dream.”
As the community responds positively to their therapeutic candles, the message from Axolotl Artisanal resonates: Dream big, start small, and connect deeply. The success story of this mother-son team will continue to inspire those facing their own life challenges, illuminating paths to emotional healing through creativity and resilience.
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