By Alesha Capone
Ten-year-old Akshara is shining a light on how young people can help make a difference in their communities.
Akshara makes candles, which she sells to raise money for charities and good causes.
“It all started last year in May. During online learning I was very bored because we couldn’t go anywhere,” she said.
“I’ve always been very fond of candles and wanted to make and sell them.”
Akshara completed an online course and began making tealight candles, container candles and bigger candles.
She sells them made-to-order on social media and has made around 150 candles so far, raising about $200 for charity.
Akshara said she donates half of the money she makes to worthwhile causes and uses the other 50 per cent of her profits to buy more candle-making materials.
She has donated her profits to a local cultural association, a Tarneit food bank and the Food Bank Manor Lakes, which is run by Newstart Church and Manor Lakes Community Learning Centre.
“When I donate, I feel good because I am helping people,” Akshara said.
Her colourful candles contain aromas including lavender, jasmine, lemon, vanilla and eucalyptus.
“I enjoy making the candles, it is a hobby and when I make them I just feel really calm,” she said.
Akshara said she had always liked helping people. For her ninth birthday, she asked her parents if she could go into the Melbourne CBD to help homeless people, but could not due to the pandemic.
Akshara said her big candles cost around $10-$15, and a pack of six tealight candles costs $5.
Details: www.facebook.com/Meltingmomentshandmade or @meltingmomentcandles on Instagram.
