Light ‘em up

The row of candles and small wooden boxes that line the fireplace mantel of neighbor David Davis’ Lakewood home is hard to miss. As is the delicate yet distinct aroma wafting through the hallways of the historic home.

Davis founded Belladonna, a luxury fragrance company, in his home, which is also where he creates and tests the candles, diffuser oils and bath salts.

He got the idea from a friend who makes soap. Although he didn’t want to copy his friend by also making soap, the process of mixing fragrances intrigued him.

Davis’ mother, Donna, who is the brand’s namesake, suffers from Alzheimer’s, so Davis especially liked the fact that it allowed him to work from home.

“My mom is the inspiration,” he says.

“Alzheimer’s runs in the family, so I knew it was coming, and I knew I would need to make some changes. I needed something that would keep my interest and challenge me, but that I could do here.”

He started dabbling in it about four years ago, but it was more difficult than he first anticipated to perfect the fragrance mixtures.

“Imagine trying to create a gourmet meal with no recipe,” he says. “That’s very much what it was like.”

But, as they say, practice makes perfect, and Davis eventually mastered the technique and created a line of fragrances for every season and preference — floral, woody, fruity, confection and citrus.

About two years ago, he began selling his products. He primarily sells them online and at Talulah Belle on Abrams in Lakewood.

Davis’ background is in graphic design, which he put to good use designing an elegant logo and unique packaging. Boring ol’ wrapping paper or gift bags wasn’t good enough for him. Instead, each piece comes in a handcrafted wooden keepsake box, which Davis designed and builds himself.

LEARN MORE at www.belladonnaluxury.com.

What gives?

Small ways that you can make a big di erence for nonprofits

Read a book ...

to benefit foster children. Susie Black Holamon is donating the proceeds of her book, “My Five Moms,” to Ebby House, which is a part of the Juliette Fowler Communities, to help young women transition out of the foster care system. “My Five Moms” is available on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com andmyfivemoms/tateauthor.com.

Let the kids cook ...

during “The Eyes of Peace: Horticulture and Copeland Cooking Classes,” a three-day summer camp to benefit Promise of Peace Community Garden. The first camp will be June 18-20 from 9 a.m.-noon. The second will be June 25-27 from 9 a.m.-noon. The camp will be held at The Imagine Garden, at 1435 San Saba. The cost is $75 per child. Learn more at promiseofpeace.us.

Go shopping ...

at Second Chance Treasures, to benefit homeless pets. The store is owned and operated by East Lake Pet Orphanage, a no-kill, non-profit organization that houses dozens of dogs and cats. If shopping isn’t your thing, you can also donate or volunteer at the shelter. Visit secondchancetreasures.org for more.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.

Are

Advocate is looking for neighbors whose alter egos take over on nights and weekends for more artistic pursuits. From comedy routines to poetry slams to live music, tell us where you channel your heart and soul beyond the 9-to-5. Please send your name, zip code and brief explanation to editor@advocatemag.com.

JUNE 1

‘Songs of Travel’

Join American bass Jared Schwartz and pianist Mary Dibbern for “songs of travel” at 4 p.m. St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the Great Hall, 5100 Ross Ave, 214.823.8134, cathedralartsdallas.org, free (donations accepted)

THROUGH JUNE 1

’Charlotte’s Web’

Discover the true meaning of friendship and life’s everyday miracles during the retelling of this classic story by the professionals at Dallas Children’s Theater. Get caught in Charlotte’s efforts to save Wilbur, the “radiant” and “humble” pig, and make friends once again with all his lovable barnyard neighbors. Enjoyed by ages 5 and up.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, dct.org, 214.740.0051, $13-$26