We’re looking forward to introducing you to Cristina Martinez. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Cristina, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of work, I find joy in reading. During my daily breaks, I pull out a book -either poetry by local poets or a novel I’m working through- and get through some pages. Literature informs so much of my creative process as it allows me to slow down from a hectic and busy schedule.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Cristina and I am a new candlemaker in Miami, FL. I started my brand, Genre Olfattivo, to share scents with others in an accessible way. My candle scents are inspired by the Florida landscape and bring a unique olfactory experience in that they are not your typical scents found in big box stores or outlets. Among my candles, you’ll find scents like mango, guava, seagrass and tomato leaf, among many other unique blends. I also use eco-friendly supplies, like coconut soy wax and cotton wicks, for a cleaner burning experience.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I used to believe that “failure” existed. When you’re young, you are shown a structure or a “box” that you need to be in so that you can succeed and be okay. With time, I’ve learned that staying in a box is detrimental to growth. Especially in the creative and business sense. If you want to try something new, create something different, pursue a business idea, just go for it. It may or may not work out but you can’t fail in trying!
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
There’s inherent beauty in pain. It’s not that painful situation are beautiful nor necessarily welcome, but they allow us to tap into emotions that allow us to search for meaning in the world around us. I started using my pain to rewrite my narrative. If I experience something negative in my life, I turn to creative writing. In the case of my candle business, I try to spread joy and comfort to others through scent experiences and memories that I hope are extraordinary.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie in the candlemaking business is that people want things that are cheap and fast. It’s also a lie that everyone wants something mass appealing. There are many people who also want unique things even if it costs them a little more; they want an experience, a conversation and a story. Small candle businesses like mine can’t compete with big companies, but we can give you stories through our handmade products that make your purchases intentional and more enjoyable. People also like to contribute to their communities by supporting small businesses, they just need to know you exist and what makes your products extra special.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I’d hope that the people I left behind would know how much I value the gift of life. For me, living is such a gift – from God, the universe, chance, or whatever you want to believe. I hope people will remember the way I have always seized opportunities without ever falling into selfishness or egoism, how I’ve always been willing to try something new without fear of failing, and how I’ve always made time to enjoy things that matter, like time with family or time to teach knowledge to others (I am an educator by profession, too).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.genreolfattivo.com
- Instagram: www.genreolfattivo.com
Image Credits
All images are my own, with the exception of the image of the Freshly Brewed candles atop of a pile of books, which is credited to @literatureandlattesblog
