F E AT U R E
Milan’s Mission Veteran’s candle company helps sex trafficking victims BY KAMALA KIRK Sound of Freedom Contributing Writer Images courtesy of Milan Candles
A
fter returning home from Afghanistan in 2014, Luis Garcia knew he wanted to help rescue and rehabilitate sex trafficking victims. At the time, he had no idea what that would look like or how he would achieve it. Seven years later, the Army combat veteran brought his vision to life when he created Milan Candles, along with his nonprofit organization, Milan’s Mission. As a kid, Garcia’s mom sold Avon products, so they always had candles around the house. “I’ve always had an affinity with candles,” Garcia says. “I love how they bring you warmth and comfort and can inspire a sense of hope in your life — so to me, they were the perfect product to bring Milan’s Mission to life. “Our goal with the brand is to rescue sex trafficking victims around the world and to provide a safe space for self-love, healing and holistic well-being. Our mission is what makes our candles unique.” He stressed the candles are beautiful as well. “I wanted to create something that would add joy, comfort and beauty to one’s environment,” Garcia says. “So, I spent a lot of time developing the best candles that I could. Every detail has been carefully thought out.” The candles are available in seven sooth-
The luxury candles are available in seven fragrances and come with angel numbers that each have their own meaning.
After returning home from Afghanistan in 2014, Army combat veteran Luis Garcia founded Milan Candles, a luxury candle company.
ing and comforting scents such as French vanilla and chai latte, and each comes in a vessel that can be reused once the wax is gone. “Each scent is bold and distinct in its own way, and one of our biggest compliments from our customers is that you can smell the candle before you even open the box,” Garcia says. “Our candles are luxury candles, so I was intentional in making sure that our vessels and our packaging reflect that — there are no cheap stickers, the labels are embossed onto the glass itself. Our vessels are a beautiful neutral color, so it doesn’t matter what MAY/JUNE 2022 |
Sound of Freedom
21
