Las Cruces entrepreneur Kerry Carmona has taken her longtime love of candles, incense and jewelry making from a market stall to a full‑size storefront on Main Street. After nine years of selling hand‑poured candles at the Las Cruces Farmer’s Market, Carmona opened Kandle Karma, a small shop that quickly attracted customers eager to learn the craft.
Family partnership fuels growth
When a class on candle‑making sold out in minutes, Carmona realized the demand exceeded the space she could offer. Her son, Mason Carmona, urged her to expand, saying, “You need to open a candle bar.” With his encouragement and practical help, the mother‑son duo secured a larger location at 221 N. Main Street and launched a candle‑pouring bar where patrons can blend their own scents.
“I’m her cheerleader and I respectfully push her to do things sometimes,” Mason explained. “She sees opportunities I might miss, and together we turned a modest dream into a community hub.”
What the new space offers
The expanded Kandle Karma features a hands‑on bar where customers select one or two fragrance oils, mix them with wax, and pour the blend into a vessel of their choice. The shop also showcases jewelry and artwork from 18 local artists, providing a platform for creative talent and adding a vibrant cultural element to the downtown shopping experience.
Employees, including longtime friend and staff member Jade Benjamin, praise the shop’s atmosphere. “The energy the customers bring brightens my day,” Benjamin said. “Kerry’s creativity with scents is inspiring, and I love seeing the growth of her business.”
Economic impact and community ties
Moving to a larger space meant hiring staff, managing payroll and navigating the challenges of a small business owner. Carmona described the transition as “a scary move” but emphasized that the effort has been worthwhile. “It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears, but it’s been pretty cool,” she said.
The candle bar not only creates jobs but also reinforces the local economy by supporting other artisans. By offering online bookings and walk‑in hours—noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday‑Friday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday—Kandle Karma provides flexible access for residents and visitors alike.
Looking ahead
Both Carmona and Mason remain focused on expanding their offerings while keeping the business rooted in family values and community service. Their story exemplifies how entrepreneurial spirit, family support and a commitment to local craftsmanship can revitalize downtown Las Cruces and inspire other small‑business owners.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
