What began as a farmers market venture during medical leave has grown into a community-centered business preparing for a larger downtown space

Amanda Dominguez, Organ Mountain News

LAS CRUCES - Kandle Karma is preparing to expand into a larger downtown space this summer, adding a DIY candle pouring bar and more room for workshops and community events.

What began as a small farmers' market venture for owner Kerry Carmona has grown into a downtown business built around creativity and connection.

Carmona said the idea for Kandle Karma came to her while she was on medical leave from her job as manager of Big Lots. Inspired by her parents, who have been vendors at the farmers’ market for 16 years, she began creating candles, incense and handmade jewelry to sell at the market.

Using beeswax purchased from a local vendor, Carmona built the business one product at a time before eventually opening Kandle Karma as an independent storefront downtown.

Today, the shop features products from about 20 local artists and makers. Carmona’s own products — including candles, lotions, jewelry and incense — emphasize clean, non-toxic ingredients.

‘People and community’

Kandle Karma has also become known for its monthly candle pouring events, where attendees create custom candles while socializing in a relaxed environment.

Carmona often partners with other local businesses during the events. Recently, Kandle Karma teamed up with Bodhi Farms for a Mother’s Day candle pouring event that also included creating fresh floral bouquets.

Carmona said she views the gatherings less as formal classes and more as opportunities for people to connect.

One of her favorite parts of hosting the events, she said, is watching relationships form between attendees. Many participants arrive looking for a creative night out and leave having made new friendships.

Expanding the experience

As Kandle Karma prepares for its move this summer, Carmona plans to expand those experiences even further.

The new location will include a DIY candle pouring bar where customers can create candles during regular business hours. The space will also feature a dedicated workshop area for candle classes and events hosted by other local artists.

In addition to public workshops, Carmona also hosts candle-pouring experiences for corporate team-building events and creates custom candles for weddings, baby showers and birthdays.

Carmona encouraged aspiring creatives interested in starting a business to take the leap, adding that the farmers market remains one of the best ways for small businesses to gain exposure and connect with the community.

If you go

Kandle Karma is currently located at 300 N. Main St., Suite 8, in Esquina Plaza.

During June, the business will operate Thursday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. while preparing for the move.

Carmona also continues to sell products at the farmers market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Beginning in July, Kandle Karma plans to open its new downtown location, 221 North Main Street, with expanded hours:

• Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Amanda Dominguez is an Organ Mountain News intern through Doña Ana Community College, supported by a Community News Transformation Grant from the Journalism + Design Lab at The New School and the New Mexico Local News Fund.