Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabiola Castro.
Hi Fabiola, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Funny story, Granola Mami started as an Etsy store where I listed organically tie-dyed onesies but sold none. Now, Granola Mami sells hand-poured soy wax candles adorned with dried flowers and crystals. When I became pregnant with my first child, I was just nineteen and not sure what life would become. I found myself searching for a calling, clearly, Tie-dying onesies was not it. However, a few years later, I found myself making candles using a random DYI kit my mom had laying around. I experimented with adding crystals to the tops of candles, which I quickly learned can not be done while wax is still warm. Many crystals lost at the bottom of the candles. At first, I started off by posting my candles on Instagram; I sold one here and one there. I quickly lost motivation as I remembered my failed tie-dyed onesies. So I decided to take a break from making candles and went to work as a preschool teacher assistant.
As many others, when COVID hit, I couldn’t return to work. Freshly out of maternity leave with my second child and no job, I had to get creative. I returned to my trusty candle-making kit and got to work. I started adding bigger crystal and dried flowers, and with the help of my mother, I was able to invest in my business and started making hand-poured soy wax candles. I posted my candles on Instagram and many friends and family started to support my small business. They enjoyed their candles and would purchase another as gifts. Slowly my business was growing. It was emotional to have a customer come back and ask to purchase another candle. I truly appreciated their first purchase and I could not imagine they loved their candle so much. They just “had to have another one,” as many would say. I truly appreciate all the support I have received. It’s amazing to know something you poured your heart and soul into is well received. Today, each candle is hand-poured with love and good intention, adorned with crystals and dried flowers. Candles started of in mason jars and now I thrift glassware to make each candle even more unique.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not a smooth road. With many personal obstacles and being a mom of two, life can get quite crazy. I am beyond thankful for my mother’s support and my boyfriend, who helps and encourages me when life gets crazy. The biggest struggle for me personally has been finding the confidence it takes to run a business. It’s easy to second guess yourself, “Is your product unique enough, is your product desirable, etc…” I’m happy to have family and friends who support and encourage me to grow as a businesswomen. Even strangers have become close friends who motivate me each day to continue and work harder.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Hand pouring soy wax candles takes a lot of patience. You melt your wax, you measure your scent, you check your temperature, and you allow it to cool. Although I would love to say I specialize in patience, I would have to say my specialty is finding unique, vintage glassware to give it a new life. A lovely glass candy bowl that once sat at a grandmother’s coffee table now sits perfectly as a unique candle on someone’s nightstand. I love the thought of someone not only falling in love with the scent of the candle but also the uniqueness of each candle.
When adding crystals and dried flowers, I am able to combine crystals that work together in healing and scents that pair well with dried flowers. Each time I finish a candle I am proud of how much love I am able to put into each candle. Although you may be able to grab a quick candle from your local TJ Maxx, you can be assured each of my candles are made with love and good intentions. When each candle is lit, you will be able to feel the healing and good vibes each candle carries.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
One of the most important lessons I have recently had to learn due to COVID-19 has been that life is never stagnant, and we must continue to find a way to keep going. Although sometimes hard, there is always a way. Start your own business and don’t look back. You are capable, and you will find support in the community.
Contact Info:
- Email: fabiolacastro.21@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/granolamami
