Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherie Leal.
Hi Cherie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Meet Cherie Leal — The Creative Force Behind Wax Bakery™ & Budmeltz™ Born and raised in New England, Cherie Leal grew up surrounded by a large, loving, and remarkably supportive family. Creativity has always flowed through her life—her parents, now in their 90s, remain so energetic and creative that she laughs she can hardly keep up with them. Cherie met her husband, Al, when they were teenagers, and the two married right after graduation in 1982. Together, they raised three wonderful sons and now enjoy four grandchildren. The family has called Florida home since 2003.
Long before her candle career began, Cherie was already an artist at heart. While raising her children in New England, she painted and sold artwork, created large-scale murals, and worked as a singer and karaoke host from 1995 to 2003. After moving to Florida, she continued hosting karaoke and DJing from 2003 to 2015. Her creative strengths also expanded into design—Cherie has personally created all the ads, promotional materials, and marketing content for every business she owns and has owned, blending artistry with entrepreneurial drive. However, when it comes to logos and branding, that’s where her talented daughter-in-law Katie shines—Katie has created all the official branding for the family businesses and beyond.
When the world slowed down in 2020, Cherie discovered a new creative outlet that sparked yet another passion. Candle making became her form of therapy—a quiet escape during uncertain times as the World shut down, including her Family bar called CJ’s On The Island. What began as a comforting hobby quickly transformed into an artistic journey. With no formal training, she spent countless hours learning wax chemistry, experimenting with techniques, and perfecting the lifelike textures that now define her distinctive style.
From this dedication emerged two thriving brands: Wax Bakery™ and Budmeltz™.
Operating from her home candle studio in St. Petersburg, Cherie handcrafts wax creations that often look startlingly real. Wax Bakery features candles and wax melts designed to mimic gourmet bakery items—cakes, pies, pastries, specialty drinks, and elaborate wax-melt bouquets. Every piece is detailed, sculpted, and richly scented, offering customers a playful, sensory delight.
Her second brand, Budmeltz, showcases another side of her creativity. These hyper-realistic wax melts are crafted to resemble cannabis buds—but their only “high” is their incredible look & fragrance. With humor, precision, and bold scent throw, Budmeltz has earned a loyal fan base who appreciate the novelty and craftsmanship behind each jar.
Despite her full schedule, creativity remains at the center of Cherie’s world. Along with her artistic ventures, she has spent more than a decade singing with the Comfort Zone Band. She also co-owned several successful family businesses, including CJ’s On The Island (10 years), Vine & Grind Olive Oil & Balsamic Shop (6 years), and the newest venture, CJ’s Backstage Restaurant in St Petersburg, FL. Her & her family work around the clock, but Cherie finds her peace—and her inspiration—in the serenity of her candle room.
Her wax creations can be found in several local shops, including her sister Donna’s stunning showroom, Coastal Fine Furniture in Seminole, Brick Road Olive Oil Company in St. Petersburg and Clearwater’s Countryside Mall, and displayed in the bakery case at CJ’s Backstage, where customers frequently mistake her wax treats for real desserts.
Whether she’s molding a decadent cake candle or crafting a cheeky Budmeltz bud, Cherie pours heart, humor, and remarkable artistry into everything she creates. Her journey—from mural artist and karaoke host to multi-business owner and candle artisan—is a testament to her boundless creativity and her passion for turning imagination into something unforgettable. People often ask her “When do you sleep?” lol
Find these amazing products on her websites at www.waxbakery.com and www.Budmeltz.com
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The learning process for perfection was the biggest struggle. Learning candle making requires correct supplies, an understanding of how waxes and wicks perform, and careful testing to achieve a safe, clean burn with great scent throw. It takes lots of practice, master proper temperatures, curing, fragrance blending, and creative techniques. It’s a skill built through consistency, attention to detail, and hands-on experimentation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My Passion- I am a wax artist based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Wax Bakery and Budmeltz, two unique brands known for turning fragrance into art. I began making candles in 2020 during the lockdown, quickly discovering a passion for crafting scents and sculpting wax with lifelike detail.
At Wax Bakery, I create candles and wax melts that look just like real bakery treats—cakes, pies, pastries, drinks, and even beautifully arranged wax-melt bouquets. I blend realism with rich, memorable fragrance, bringing a playful twist to home fragrance.
My second brand, Budmeltz, offers hyper-realistic wax melts designed to look like cannabis buds—but they’re all wax and all amazing scent. The novelty, craftsmanship, and bold aromas have earned the line a loyal following.
In between all my other business responsibilities, I work from home in my candle studio and handcraft every piece with care, creativity, and an eye for detail—turning simple wax into something unforgettable.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I watch many tutorials & You tube videos to help me learn along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Budmeltz.com and www.waxbakery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/budmeltz420/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574071760583
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581201401928
Image Credits
all pictures are my own pictures
