From chemistry to candles: Ashley Bester’s bright idea for Scents & Such candle company

When Ashley Bester talks about her business, Scents & Such, she doesn’t just describe the candles she makes—she tells stories. 

This married mom of two young sons spent over 15 years as an engineer before turning to entrepreneurship, where she blends science, creativity and purpose into every soy-wax pour. Each scent is inspired by a meaningful milestone, memory or moment from her life, and is designed to spark joy, encourage self-care and create connection.

Ashley even created a special BMO-inspired candle, named "Grow the Good," to share her gratitude toward the bank. 

It wasn’t always an easy road. Ashley spent years doing trial and error—perfecting her candle formulas to get the scents just right. She walked away from corporate life to pursue candles full-time when she felt she finally had created the perfect lineup of products—and she's now entering her seventh year of business.

What started as a creative outlet has grown into a small family business supported by community, and what Ashley says is a great partnership with BMO. 

“BMO has been integral to the growth and sustainability of my business,” she says. 

Ashley was a recipient of the EMpower Grant, which helped to fund her booth at Milwaukee’s popular Summerfest, and a featured retailer during BMO’s annual holiday Wrap the Good campaign—which also exposed her to the Canadian market and international business.  

Today, her business operates mainly online, while also offering select products on the shelves of local retailers like Wiki Wares in Greendale, Wisconsin, and at festivals and markets throughout Chicagoland and Wisconsin.  

Ashley says she feels more confident and informed about her finances than ever before, and has big dreams for the future of Scents & Such. While festivals may currently be the cornerstone of her customer base, she dreams of opening a dedicated space that brings together all of her ideas: candles and candle-making, perfume making, community creativity and mental-health-focused community programming.  

With BMO at her back, she says she’s ready for anything, and will be open to all opportunities no matter what comes next. 

Explore how we’re working alongside Black‑owned businesses to help them thrive.  

Visit the Scents & Such website.