LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Yasmine Fleming had just found a vacancy when the pandemic forced businesses to close.
“I’ve always loved scent,” says Fleming.
According to Fleming, smells can take you to new places or remind you of old places. The pandemic hobby became an opportunity for Fleming.
“I gained a better understanding of actually making candles, and I feel like a better teacher now,” she said.
A better teacher—perhaps better than any she’d ever known.
“I don’t feel like I’ve finished my public education, I just want to say I’m not active,” Fleming said.
She has been an educator for about ten years. She may not be active in the classroom, but is active at Luxe and Ash Candle Co. At the Juliet Market.
“Yes, you do need to bring the physical product — the candle, but more importantly, remember that this candle smells like grandma’s house,” she said.
The meaning of smell was powerful to Fleming. The merchant’s philosophy is to let you pick your own scent and mix your own candles.
“I’m trying to do what brings me joy,” she said.
However, joy can sometimes trigger fear.
“It’s pretty scary, but I know our kids are watching. I know my former students — I know my daughter is watching,” Fleming said.
Some are watching up close – some are watching from afar.
“My grandmother’s scarf — I still have it, she’s been gone for over 12 years,” Fleming said. “I don’t wear it very often because it still smells like her.”
Smell can remind us, and it can remind us. It’s a smell that can be sentimental.
“She called me her joy,” Fleming said of her grandmother. “She always said that – my joy, my joy. So, I think there’s going to be a joy candle soon.”
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