Today we’d like to introduce you to Estefany Nunez creator of Lit Candles Miami.
Hi Estefany, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After searching for ways to work on my own mental health, I was seeking a new creative outlet. I’ve always appreciated art and loved creating things myself. I’ve gone from painting, styling, event planning, photography. You name it, I’ve done it. After much thought, I wanted to incorporate something that would transmit me to my happy place. After researching essential oils and their benefits, I ran into information regarding the toxic chemicals used in candles. It was astonishing to find they could contain 3000-5000 different chemicals. Many which are not tested to ensure the safety of consumers.
Candles have always been a comfort piece in my life. When I’m happy, I light up a candle. When I host, I light up a candle. When I’m feeling down, a candle transports me to a happy place. A happy memory. The psychology of how the brain works has always been a world I admire and respect. It’s intriguing to me how a scent could transport you to a memory your mind registered from years ago. Therefore, I knew I had to do my own part in taking a non-toxic approach not only to candle making, but a line of products made of non-toxic ingredients. With the hopes of serving as a form of Aromatherapy. This is how Lit Candles Miami was created. The meaning behind the name is to illuminate. In hopes of clearing your mind, bringing clarity to your life, and awareness to your mental health.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I believe the struggles of life is what makes your journey all worth the while. Without struggle, there are no lessons to learn from, no opportunity to grow and no room to become a better version of yourself. There’s no such thing as a smooth road, specially as a candle maker. You need to get your formula to the T and you must always test to make sure it is safe with top quality. This is something you never stop doing. I kind of compare myself to a chemist, because I find myself in my lab late hours testing new scents, soy wax, wicks, and vessels. With the goal to produce a long lasting experience for my customers.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Lit Candles Miami is a home brand made of non-toxic and environmental friendly ingredients. Our scents are 100% phthalate-free. Free from Carcinogens, Mutagens, Reproductive toxins, Organ toxins and Acute toxins. All of our ingredients including our soy wax, wicks, scents and vessels are U.S sourced contributing to the U.S economy and job market. As the CEO of Lit Candles Miami I take pride in the research I have conducted to create a line that is safe for your home. A line that you can consume worry free with full transparency. I’m detailed about every ingredient that goes into our products and test them for assurance of the best possible quality. To me it is more than just about home decor, a candle, room spray or aroma it’s a moment to yourself that can lead you to a healthier mental space.
As for me I’m a working professional with many responsibilities and numerous individuals who count on me on a daily basis. I’m a full time working mom and partner. I proudly worked hard to get my position in higher education, yet I also wanted to create something I could call my own. I’ve had my fair share of work experiences and each of these have taught me valuable lessons. One I can pass on to our younger generations is that with hard work and determination all of your dreams are possible. You are worthy of anything that comes your way. You never have to accept a no for an answer. You either find a way or make a way. Finally always put your mental health first!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
To some it may be surprising that I attended the Art Institute and earned my degree in Fashion Merchandising. I later went on to obtain a second degree in Business Supervision and Management. So you could say I have a passion for the arts, fashion and business. Personally my creativity has allowed me to think outside the box, and in a way has served me as a form of therapy.
As for my brand I take care of every detail and as crazy as it may sound, I categorize it as a way of having fun. The process of creating is soothing for me, it calms me down when I’ve had a stressful long day. I enjoy hand pouring every candle, making every label. While meticulously buying all the vessels and keeping an eye for upcoming exciting pieces. I take a great deal of pride in how I learned to formulate each ratio of ingredients and producing smooth strong scented candles that fill ones home with enticing scents. The way customers light up with our pieces is inspiring to me and I’m definitely looking forward to expanding and designing more home and personal products for the Lit Candles brand.
Pricing:
- $8-50
Contact Info:
- Email: litcandlesmia@gmail.com
- Website: www.litcandlesmia.com
- Instagram: @litcandlesmia
- Facebook: @litcandlesmia
Image Credits
Karen Nunez Andre Blanco
