In a culture of constant distractions and endless hustle, sweet simplicity can be hard to find. But when you can take a moment to spark a Bluecorn beeswax candle or meet a friend at the Bluecorn Cafe & Mercantile in Montrose, something special is illuminated.

“We believe in what we call ‘spirited mountain living,” says Jon Kornbluh, Bluecorn founder and CEO. “For us that means cultivating connection with community, nature and self. It’s simple, but also profound, like lighting candles at dinner to welcome everyone to the table.”

As the day’s hum of candle making fills the factory floor, Kornbluh gazes through a big glass wall at a scene he once only imagined: customers chatting over coffee, some enjoying a bite to eat, others picking up a handmade candle to smell.

Bluecorn’s cafe, mercantile and workshop is spacious yet inviting — an industrious yet relaxed atmosphere Kornbluh long dreamed of bringing to life.

“I’ve always been inspired by thoughtfully designed, welcoming public spaces, whether they’re libraries and museums, or restaurants and retail stores,” Kornbluh says. “Creating one of my own has always been a dream, and I think we pulled it off.”

Love of ‘the Craft and the Commerce’

Bluecorn’s story began over 30 years ago when Kornbluh was living in an off-grid cabin outside Telluride. He relied on a kerosene lantern for light and heat — until it started giving him splitting headaches. His friend Baker Steve suggested that a few homemade beeswax candles might be the solution and brought his whole rig over to Kornbluh’s cabin. Together they spent the night dipping candles and by morning they’d crafted hundreds of tapers, which they hung from the rafters to cool, filling the tiny space with the scent and warmth of beeswax.

Kornbluh loved burning and making the candles so much he began selling them to other locals living off the grid.

“I loved everything about that experience: the craft and the commerce,” he recalls.

For nearly three decades, Kornbluh built Bluecorn on direct-to-consumer sales through their website. The brand became known for the sublime quality of its raw beeswax – sustainably-sourced in the United States and wildly fragrant — and for the meticulous attention to craft that keeps Bluecorn candles burning beautifully and its customers returning year after year.

By early 2020, Kornbluh was beginning to feel it was time for something new. Just as he began preparing to sell the business, the COVID pandemic shifted daily life, and unexpectedly, demand for beeswax candles surged. Partnering with investors, Kornbluh found renewed purpose and expanded Bluecorn to its freshly-renovated Montrose headquarters in 2021.

“The space is totally magical,” says Kornbluh of the cafe and mercantile that overlook the candle factory. “We’ve created this dark, cozy, moody vibe that we light up with art, candles and color. Just like our candles, it’s about offering folks tools for presence, peace and community.”

The Glow of a Local Ethos

In addition to beeswax candles and their new line of scented candles in coconut wax, Aromática, the mercantile offers a curated selection of goods crafted by regional artisans, supporting the local economy with high-quality, durable products designed to last. Every item, from locally sourced body care to wool hats and handmade jewelry, reflects the Bluecorn team’s commitment to purposeful living.

“We know that when we invest in craft, our supply chains are shorter and more sustainable, and everyone along that supply chain benefits,” notes Tessa Cheek, Bluecorn’s chief revenue officer. “We’re committed to supporting our people, pollinators and planet.”

This dedication to simplicity and sustainability continues in the on-site cafe, where guests can enjoy a selection of homemade dishes, coffee, tea, cocktails, wine and beer. The menu stars local ingredients for fresh, healthy cuisine that is a celebration of the Western Slope’s agricultural abundance.

Bluecorn also hosts numerous live music events, transforming the space into an intimate, candlelit venue. With the bar open, the lights dimmed and candles glowing, merchandise is rolled aside to make room for a lively dance floor that can host up to 230 guests. Bluecorn showcases a variety of music, from local bluegrass bands to internationally acclaimed folk artists, creating an inviting atmosphere that brings people together and celebrates connection.

While Bluecorn doesn’t offer a dinner service, Kornbluh has recently opened the space for private events — from anniversaries and birthdays, to holiday gatherings. The cafe and bar are available upon request, adding to the versatility of the venue as Bluecorn continues to evolve and expand its offerings.

Even as they embrace growth and change, Bluecorn stays true to their tagline, “Handcrafted Light from Colorado” — whether that be the glow of their exquisite candles, or in the sparkle of one of the Western Slope’s most vibrant third spaces.

Experience the warmth of Bluecorn Cafe & Mercantile at 1842 S. Towsend Ave in Montrose, Colorado, or shop Bluecorn’s full line of handmade beeswax candles, holders and more online at bluecorncandles.com.

Connect with Kornbluh and his team online, Instagram, Facebook and at info@bluecorncafemontrose.com.

This spotlight is a sponsored partnership.

Return To Simplicity With Bluecorn Candles, Cafe & Mercantile