Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Love.
Hi Brandon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, my journey with Bewilderment began as a blend of family heritage and a dash of entrepreneurial spirit. It all started in my childhood, bonding with my mom & great-grandma over candle-making. This wasn’t just a hobby; it was a legacy being passed down. By 2015, we decided to take this family passion to the next level and founded Bewilderment in Baltimore, Maryland.
Fast forward to today, and we’re based in Baltimore, Ohio. I love the irony in the name switch! We’ve grown from our humble beginnings of crafting wax melts to expanding into a full range of bath, body, and home products. Our online store now drives a significant part of our business, reaching a diverse and wonderful customer base.
Throughout this journey, staying true to our roots and values has been key. From supporting mental health advocacy by donating a percentage to local Autism nonprofits and hosting monthly charity bars to creating a community through our 50,000-person Facebook group, BewilderBuds, every step has been about more than just products – it’s about creating a meaningful impact and a pretty kick-ass community. One I’m hype to be part of every day now! And here we are, still growing, still innovating, and always ready to bring a little more bewilderment into people’s lives! 😉
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We grew rapidly for the first 7 years — then around 2020, my birth parents, adopted father, grandparents had all suddenly passed around the same time — and my mom became ill (she’s on the mend now).
It was a traumatic few years, and we closed down for a bit. I focused on design work and writing and healing, of course.
Jan 1st, 2023, I launched a new LLC here in Ohio and began rebuilding. We are already back into a large warehouse with a solid team and plan on scaling even further in 2024.
It was rough, but it’s all made me a better leader, a kinder person, and a more passionate creative
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bewilderment is more than just a brand; it’s a sensory journey and a perfected tight-knit online community – and now, in person, since we launched our first store to massive success here in Columbus area! We specialize in creating over 1,500 distinctive scents, offering a wide range of artisanal treats for bath, body, and home. What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and creativity in every product. We’re known for our captivating wax melts (hello, 1500 aromas!), but we’ve also expanded into luxurious soaps, bath frostings, and premium skincare products, all handcrafted in Ohio.
Our brand is a blend of tradition and modernity. From family recipes passed down through generations to innovative creations that resonate with contemporary tastes, we maintain a balance that appeals to a diverse audience. We’re particularly proud of how we’ve maintained a personal touch in every aspect of our business, from product creation to customer interactions.
What sets us apart is our dedication to social responsibility and mental health advocacy. A portion of our profits supports causes close to our heart, like the Autism Society of Central Ohio. We’ve also established the BewilderBuds community, a platform for mental health support and connection.
Our brand is for those who value uniqueness, quality, and community. Whether you’re visiting our boutique in Baltimore, Ohio, shopping online, or interacting with us on social media, we strive to offer an experience that’s not just about buying a product but about becoming part of a story – a story of creativity, care, and community. That’s the essence of Bewilderment: a brand that’s as unique and vibrant as the people we serve (and the aromas we create).
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Oh gosh. We’ve been robbed, ideas have been poached, recipes stolen, major brands that wanted to buy us would try to copy us when we wouldn’t sell the company, etc. the industry is pretty intense — especially here in Ohio, so close to Bath & Body Works. But we stand out and offer something you can’t get anywhere else: a young and risky take on an old and established industry. Which is exactly what people want. Less Apple and cinnamon, more curiosity and Bewilderment
Contact Info:
- Website: Bewilderment.com
- Instagram: @YayBewilderment
- Facebook: /YayBewilderment
