Clementina LLC’s soy candle creations are becoming a hit in Pittsburgh for their uniqueness and creative designs. Owner, Brenda Ko, is a Mexican artist originally from Nuevo Laredo, who developed a passion for art, and a fascination with detail and color when her children were young. During those years, she lovingly baked and painstakingly decorated their birthday cakes when they lived in Texas.
As time passed, they moved to Pittsburgh. Her children graduated and went to college away from home. The empty nest, added to the process of adjusting to the city’s cold weather, and a sudden pandemic, led Brenda to depression.
“For my mental health, I knew I had to do something. I had to keep my mind busy,” she shared.
At first, she started making handmade soaps with organic ingredients, which close friends ended up buying. She then tried organic soy candles, which she had made for some time because of the allergies and irritations regular candles caused. She knew displaying her products at festivals and events was important, but she found it difficult. Her applications were rejected a few times.
Brenda considered giving up, but her husband encouraged her to keep trying. “Without my husband’s support and encouragement, I would not have been able to do this. He said: “I trust you, don’t give up, you’re going to make it,” and he was right,” she said. Also around that time, she met people who helped bring her products to the public like Carrie Nardini, of “I Made It! Market”.
Then everything started coming together. Brenda decided to name her business Clementina. She incorporated skills in miniature artwork and cake decoration to create organic candles with intricate detail and bold colors. She added exquisite decorative elements like fruit, cream, cookies, and even props like mugs and pans, giving her candles a special touch.
Suddenly, Clementina’s candles were a hit.
During events, people stop at Brenda’s table and marvel at her beautiful work. Some say they would like to eat the candles. Others mention that to keep their beauty intact, they will not light them. Some people even follow her to every event. Clementina’s social media has become popular. Frequent customers are making home displays with unlit candles.
“My products have been well received. The Pittsburgh crowd is the best; everyone is so warm. I am happy knowing people support my work and hearing their kind words,” Brenda exclaimed.
Currently, she has a booth at Robinson “I Made It! Market” and participates in events like the Squirrel Hill Night Market. She is working towards getting a permanent location. The Hispanic Corporation (PHDC) team in Beechview is helping her learn about options and guiding her through the process.
Brenda has also contacted the City of Pittsburgh about programs that help with other aspects of business ownership. Shortly she would like to hire employees and expand her business. Her long-term goals include offering candle-making workshops and helping women start craft-making businesses.
But there’s a time for everything. For now, Brenda is happy to have overcome depression by putting effort and creativity into launching Clementina. Spending time at events and chatting with people has made a positive impact on her, especially during the dark and rainy autumn days and the cold winter months.
“To all those people trying to launch businesses – don’t give up, don’t lose hope. Once you give up, you don’t have a chance. You have to keep a positive mindset!” said Brenda.
CLEMENTINA LLC
Instagram: @Clementina.llc
Facebook: @ClementinaHandmade
Retail: I Made it! Market, Mall at Robinson, Festivals
Etsy: Clementinastudio.etsy.com
(en receso / on break)
