Fairfax 5th grader starts candle business to help homeless, save money for college
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (WJLA) — Alejandro is only in fifth-grade, but he has big dreams - dreams many children his age can't hold a candle to.
The Fairfax Public Schools student started his business to save money for college and help the homeless.
“My mom said it is very rare to see a kid making a business and it could be really helpful for my future, so I just started my business so I can help everyone and also make my future bright," Alejandro told ABC7.
He decided on candles after the family learned the chemicals in store-bought candles cause Alejandro and his sister headaches.
So Smell of Love Candles was born.
“I have a brand-new business, and a lot of people pay attention to the old businesses," he said, adding, "But like since I started to go around and all these interviews, people have started to pay attention to me.”
With that attention he hopes to not only save for college, but also help others at the same time with a portion of the proceeds going to charity
“When I donate to charity, the charity gives to homeless which can help the homeless have food and shelter and they give to families that don’t have enough food so they can have food to survive. I just want everyone to be safe and happy!”
Alejandro ever packages his own candles up for delivery. Running a business at such a young age is hard - but not as hard as telling your classmates.
"I just don’t have a day for that yet," he said.
Well, he is a busy kid - with a busy list of goals and candle orders.
“One of my future goals it to just help people all around the world.”
To support Smell of Love Candles, you can buy them at the Vienna Holiday Pop-up Market from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at 136 Maple Avenue. To buy his candles online, click here,
