Today we’d like to introduce you to Zaira Vela
Hi Zaira , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The idea of starting Oceana Crystals Candle Boutique originated from the stories my dad would tell me about my Nana Inez. How they made a living creating candles and how he would help his mom make them with her.
The experience of nostalgia has always stayed with me and
I wanted to try to capture my father’s memories in the candles I create. So, that I could not only re-live them but also share them with others. Every Candle Collection has a story behind it, and I’m so excited to be able to share my family tradition to continue creating candles for my Community. With a traditional and modern take on honoring my dad and Nana. In loving memory of her as well
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Owning a candle company has not been a smooth road. Some of the challenges and struggles that I dealt with is understanding what type of wax and fragrance oils you can use and combine along with what wick will work best for optimal burning. I am constantly always testing what I create. Because you have to satisfy your consumer, especially if you’re creating a specific niche in the market.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love creating new candles and wax melts and especially what I am known for is my unique fragrance blends for each candle collection. They hold nostalgia from my childhood and Traditions, my grandma passed down to my dad and now to me.
I am most proud of creating unique candle ideas that most consumers have not seen before. Especially when I create candles from anime to cartoons, baseball, football, loved ones who have passed, and any special request from my customers. I believe that’s what set me apart from others because I listen To what they want to create and I make it happen.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is going with my dad to my grandma’s house, eating lunch together and listening to their stories of how they made candles in order to make a living for their family. My grandma would always tell me she would sell and create her candles to her small community in Tijuana and in Los Angeles, where she would sell them at Plaza Olvera. And how my dad would always help her make them and sell them as well.
Pricing:
- Wax melts 6.00
- 2 oz candles 10.00
- 4 oz candles 18.00
- 8 oz candles 26.00
- 10 oz candles 30.00
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Oceanacrystals
- Facebook: Oceanacrystals
Image Credits
Bianca Vela
