Meet Maria Fernanda

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Fernanda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
The name Candelitas came from the Spanish language, where “-ita” means cute, making it a Spanglish creation that translates to ‘cute candle.’ I first started making candles as a Christmas gift idea when I was a broke college student. My family and friends were so happy with their gifts. One particular friend liked my candles so much they insisted I sell them. This encouragement motivated me to continue my candle-making journey. Over time, I began experimenting with mixing my own scents, which sparked my creativity and passion even further. Eventually, I realized that to fully bring my vision to fruition, I needed help. So, I hired a small team to help me promote my brand and rebrand our designs. Today, Candelitas stands as a testament to the support of loved ones and the pursuit of a dream.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am so proud of the leap of faith we took in running our own business. Becoming a business owner is one of the hardest things I have ever done, it requires a good support team, lots of research, trial and error. No one talks about how challenging and exhausting it can be to run a business without a mentor and no prior knowledge. One of the most meaningful lessons we have learned is that it’s okay to delegate work; there is nothing wrong with asking for help. Candelitas is a micro company that takes sustainability seriously. All of our materials are locally sourced and our candles are made in small batches using the highest quality ingredients. Our commitment to quality and sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we are grateful for the support of our community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The beauty of being an entrepreneur is that you get to work at home and at your own pace. For an introvert like myself, this is paradise. My closest friends are also introverts, and we enjoy low-key events, such as cozy movie nights where we watch our favorite films or explore new ones. We love playing board games, especially strategy games that challenge our minds. Hosting dinners is another favorite activity; we take pleasure in cooking together, experimenting with new recipes, and enjoying homemade meals. And, of course, we can’t forget our boba runs, my favorite boba spot is Twinkle in Alhambra, CA. Their Sea salt cheese foam drinks are the best!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My brother is a talented designer; he is a man of few words, but he is my biggest supporter. His constructive criticism always pushes me to improve, and he did an amazing job with the rebrand of Candelitas. Whether it’s good news or bad, he’s the first to know. His unwavering support and belief in me give me the strength to pursue my dreams. He offers not only his professional expertise but also emotional support, helping me navigate both the highs and lows. I am forever grateful for his presence in my life, not just as a brother, but as a business partner.

Website: https://candelitas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candelitas_boutique/

Other: email: hello@candelitas.com tiktok: @candelitas_