About Us

In 2015, at just 17, I attempted to end my life. I had lost so much—my sense of purpose, my relationship, and the future I thought I was building. It felt like everything I cared about had crumbled.

But one simple idea, shared by a friend, pulled me through the tears and pain:
“Keep your hands busy & your mind distracted, while your heart heals.” 

I took that advice and ran with it.

Coming from a family of candle makers, I found myself downstairs at 2 a.m. in my mom’s craft room, quietly experimenting with fragrances, wax blends, and packaging. I didn’t know it then, but those nights would be my salvation. Night after night, I chased moments of reprieve from the depression looming over me.

 

Photo: My father, who worked here into his 70's. Me, experimenting with a bath frosting body scrub formula in 2019.

From Craft Room to Community

What started as a few late-night experiments turned into weeks, then months. That little craft room mess evolved into an Etsy shop, craft show tables, and eventually my own website.

Before long, my mom’s craft room became my own. Then I moved into an apartment—though it quickly became more of a craft-apartment, filled with boxes of soy wax, fragrant creations, and plants crowding the windowsill. My dog lounged on the couch as pots of wax heated on the stove.

About 10 months in, I looked around and realized something I never thought I’d feel again: I’m glad I’m still here.

I didn’t let those moments of despair end my story. And because I chose to stay, something incredible began to grow.

 

 Photo: My great grandmother, who worked here into her 90's. My mother, who works here now into her 70's. 

A Legacy of Resilience

Taking on the family tradition of candle-making in my own way, I poured my heart into building a business—and a community. In my early 20s, I signed the lease on my first warehouse, hired friends and family, and began sharing my story.

I also created one of Facebook’s first 24/7-staffed groups—a safe space in a sea of chaos. Back then, it took a full team to keep out bullies and spammers, but we did it. That group still thrives today, and it’s a cornerstone of the Bewilderment community. Join Here.

 

Photo: Me cutting the ribbon on our first store in 2018. Me with my mom & dad, receiving the Mental Health Impact award from pathway to Hope. 

10 Years of Impact

That dark chapter in my life feels like centuries ago now. Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the honor of:

• Winning the “Midwest Mental Health Impact Award” and “Citizen of the Year.”
• Being featured in Startups to Watch, news outlets, and countless articles.
• Speaking at colleges and connecting with communities around the world.
• Helping Facebook develop better moderation tools for online safety. Yes, seriously- they used our group as a guide for improving their groups feature! We're like, totally pioneers. 

But the greatest impact isn’t in the headlines—it’s in the lives changed and potentially saved. Because I chose to stay, a community of survivors has blossomed. Together, we’ve supported 20+ nonprofits in suicide prevention, mental health research, and autism advocacy. We've raised thousands of dollars. Hosted dozens of events. We even opened an in-person experience here in Ohio! Come by sometime. ;) 

 

Thank You for Staying

From the darkest time in my life came an avalanche of light. This community, this company, and this movement exist because of you.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for making Bewilderment more than a fragrance company. And most of all, thank you for staying, too.

You are oh so very loved,
Brandon Love
Founder, Owner & Maker