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NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY

NMSU partners with Las Cruces candle company for ‘Smell of Victory’

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What is the smell of victory? According to one Las Cruces entrepreneur, when the Aggies win, it definitely smells sweet.

New Mexico State University and Kreative Candle Co. have launched Pistol Pete’s “Smell of Victory” candle, the latest in NMSU’s growing line of collegiate-licensed products. Kreative Candle Co. is an up-and-coming Las Cruces business creating a variety of homemade candles.

Kreative Candle owner Kiandra Davis describes the scent of the hand-made candle as an apple and maple bourbon fragrance. The candle has hints of apple, cinnamon, vanilla and butter, infused with natural essential oils of cinnamon leaf and mandarin.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of the Pistol Pete candle will support NMSU’s more than 400 student-athletes.

Kiandra’s husband, Chili Davis, is the Aggie football team’s inside receivers’ coach and assistant special teams’ coordinator, so the opportunity to support student-athletes has special importance for her.

“Once again, our partnership with a small New Mexico business -- Kreative Candle Co. and CEO Kiandra Davis -- will be a win/win for her company and Aggie athletics,” said NMSU Director of Athletics Mario Moccia. “We are all incredibly excited about the launch of Pistol Pete’s ‘Smell of Victory’ candle.”

Moccia said one of the sweetest parts of the collaboration is Kreative Candle’s nationwide reach through online sales, in addition to availability at several Las Cruces small businesses.

“Aggie fans from all 50 states can order this New Mexico State-themed candle and have it shipped right to their doors,” Moccia said. “I believe it’s going to be a great hit with our alumni, fans and all of Aggie Nation – especially so close to Valentine’s Day.”

Davis founded her business in August 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic. Looking for a new activity during the lockdown, she decided to learn how to make candles. She found a passion for it and launched her business.

“To be able to partner with NMSU to create a custom candle is a dream come true, because I’m a huge Aggie fan.” Davis said. “I started this business a little more than five months ago, and to have a license deal within a year is a major accomplishment.”

As a Black woman entrepreneur, Davis said she has faced struggles running her new business, but continues to succeed and encourage other aspiring business owners.

“It’s my goal,” she said, “to be an inspiration to anyone who has aspirations of becoming an entrepreneur. I want to show people that you can do anything you set your mind to do, no matter your gender or color. I'm so grateful to be able to showcase my candles to the Aggie family and bring a unique aroma to so many homes.”

“Pistol Pete’s Smell of Victory” candles are available for purchase at https://kreativecandleco.com. The candle also is available to purchase at a several local businesses, including The Bean Café, Kind Bread Bakery, FARMesilla and the Las Cruces Farmers and Crafts Market each Saturday.

The candles are the latest in a growing line of new collegiate-licensed products from NMSU.

In December, the university announced a collaboration with Estas Manos Coffee Roasters to produce “A” Mountain Roast coffee. The university also partnered last year with Lescombes Winery for the creation of Pistol Pete’s Crimson Legacy, a Cabernet Sauvignon.

Additionally, Pistol Pete’s Six-Shooter, the first collegiate-licensed whiskey in the country, made in collaboration with Dry Point Distillers, sold out its first batch in a matter of days and remains in high demand.

Since 2017, NMSU has worked with Bosque Brewing Company to market Pistol Pete’s 1888 Ale. The beer went on to win a bronze medal at the Great American Beer Festival.

Visit https://kreativecandleco.com.

Contact Amanda Adame at 575-646-7953, aadame4@nmsu.edu.

Company has special candle for Black History Month

Kreative Candle Company, which opened in Las Cruces last August, has created a special candle for Black History Month.

The “Light in History” Mahogany Shea candle “wraps you in a warm blanket of earthy woods and creamy shea, according to https://kreativecandleco.com/collections/black-history-month/products/a-light-in-history.

The candle smells like almond, shea, coconut, amber sandalwood, cedar and light musk, the website side, and burns for 50-plus hours. The eight-ounce candle costs $15.

Kreative Candle Company’s candles are hand-poured, using 100 percent paraffin wax. All scents are free from carcinogens, reproductive toxins and other potentially hazardous chemicals, the website said.

New Mexico State University, Kreative Candle Co.

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