TYSONS, VA — When Vienna kid entrepreneur Alejandro Buxton decided to start making candles, it was because his mom, Patricia, was having headaches from other kinds of candles. That's when he created his first scent, the Jurassic Orange candle with an orange scent and hints of bergamot and grapefruit.

With the support of his mom, Buxton launched Smell of Love Candles in 2020 as an online store. At age 10, Buxton started the business with a goal of buying more books, saving money for college to fulfill a dream of attending Duke University and donating a portion of profits to people in need.

It started with Buxton making candles six at a time from his kitchen. When the business grew, candle making moved to the basement, where he could make 200 at a time.

Now with a new space inside Tysons Corner Center, Buxton told Patch he can make 600 to 700 at a time.

Smell of Love Candles debuted its first brick-and-mortar space with a ribbon cutting Thursday. The kiosk is located on the mall's second level in front of Banana Republic.

"It can be exciting because now we can connect with new people," Buxton said about his new brick-and-mortar space.

The mall kiosk sells the Smell of Love Candles signature collection, including the Jurassic Orange, as well as seasonal candles. For fall, that means scents like Pumpk up the Jam and Donut Kill My Vibe. Scents are hand-picked and tested, taking into account scent recommendations from customers. Candles are hand poured into reusable jars or bins and use phthalate-free fragrances from suppliers with ethical sourcing.

The kiosk also showcases reed diffusers, room and linen sprays, soaps and sugar scrubs. The soaps and sugar scrubs are made by Buxton's little sister, Valentina, who was inspired by her brother to make her own handmade products.

Tysons Corner Center general manager Jesse Benites, representatives for Sen. Mark Warner, and Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, who represents Tysons and the area of Vienna where Buxton lives, offered congratulations to Buxton at the ribbon cutting. Palchik also provided a letter from Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay offering congratulations on being "our region's youngest CEO."

Another official in attendance was Vienna Business Association executive director Peggy James, who offered some of the first exposure to Smell of Love Candles with a virtual event in May 2020. Smell of Love Candles also participated in Vienna's first-ever maker's market in December 2020.

Smell of Love Candles has participated in other artisan markets and special events, including the DC Downtown Holiday Market where Vice President Kamala Harris and First Gentlemen Douglas Emhoff visited. Smell of Love Candles now offers a Madam Vice President & The Second Gentleman Bundle featuring the products Harris and Emhoff purchased.

In between balancing his business and schoolwork as a Fairfax County Public Schools student, Buxton maintains a YouTube channel called Lessons from a Kidpreneur to share his entrepreneurial journey, business lessons and candle making tips.

The opening weekend for Smell of Love Candles continues from Sept. 1 to 5. Buxton will be at the kiosk to greet customers on Sept. 2 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 5 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. In-person customers who shop the Smell of Love Candle’s kiosk will be entered into a giveaway to win free candles for a year (provided once per month).

For more information, visit smelloflovecandles.com.

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