Today we’d like to introduce you to Hilda Rodriguez.
Hilda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my business back in October 2021. I love perfumes, and I know how to develop the product from the beginning, such as smelling the different scents, identifying the head, heart, and bottom notes, until the end, when the perfume reaches the consumer.
I wanted to continue doing something similar but not quite perfumes. Therefore, I saw candles, similar to perfumes, but the difference is that you do not wear candles. You appreciate the beauty of the flame, the shape, and the smell of a candle. Perfumes wake up one sense, the smell, but candles wake up four senses: sight, hearing, touch, and smell.
Then, I started looking for different types of candles, and a friend of mine, Manuela Gomez showed me sculpted candles, the first candle she showed me was the shape of “El David” (That is my favorite shape), and I felt in love with that type of candles. Then, I started investigating how to make a beautiful candle like that.
The first candles I used to open my store were imported from France and Colombia, from Preechi Creations and Eidola Velas while I was learning how to make my own candles. Those ladies inspired me to start learning to create my own candles. Then after a lot of research, I found the molds, the wax that is made in the United States, and the oil that is made in France.
Missing the proper wax was a trial-and-error process. I needed to discover the perfect mix of soy, organic soy, and coconut wax; the wax consistency and the fact that it needed to mix properly with the oil were keys to developing a beautiful candle. Now that I have developed the correct measurements of the different wax and oil, I genuinely believe I will learn more about candles daily.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely, it has not been a smooth road. A smooth road won’t teach me how to perfect my candle-making technique, so I embrace struggles.
I had a lot of struggles at the beginning because I was not sure how to create the candles; when I opened my online store, I opened the store with imported candles, but I wanted to learn how to make my own candles. At first, it was difficult because I did not know the proper mix of the different types of wax and the scented oil. It was trial-and-error; I measured the waxes and the scented oil every day until I reached the proper mix.
Also, after I learned how to properly mix the waxes and the oil, demolding the candles was a struggle because each mold’s candle is different; for me, each mold’s candle has its own essence. I need to learn where I put pressure and where I can’t put a lot of pressure because it can break the candle.
Also, another struggle was to put the word out there about my business, so I started applying to markets; I was rejected to a couple of markets where I applied until I was finally accepted to Aventura’s Gardens Market in January 2022 and from there I was able to be in a couple of markets such as Night Market on the Lawn at Dania Beach.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Digital Marketer and Multimedia Designer. I did my bachelor’s degree at Florida Atlantic University and my master’s degree at Full Sail University.
I design digital marketing strategies to promote small and medium businesses. I create concepts and storytelling for video segments, photography, and websites that meet your strategy. I am a leader who understands that communication creates quality relationships. I believe that if you love what you do, you will succeed. My goal: “Making your brand beautiful, expressing your vision.” My areas of strength are:
– Execute promotional campaigns on social media platforms from the strategy, creation, design, and successful execution.
– Create, edit, publish, and share content that builds meaningful connections and encourages followers to take action.
– Design websites that are optimized, responsive, and versatile.
– Pre-Production, production, and post-production for video segments and photography.
– Design packaging for products that are elegant, functional, and effective.
I am proud that I have learned how to develop a product and how to market that product. Creating a product is a great experience, but taking that product and putting the product out there is the most challenging part of the road because to promote a product, I need to create a story that resonates with the audience.
What sets me apart from others is the fact I love what I do. I love my marketing career, which has taught me to connect with the audience and humanize brands. I also love the opportunity to be an artist. I love creating candles, cross-stitching, and drawing with micro-pens.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people do not know that I cross-stitch and draw with a micro-pen during my free time. Also, every time I am in the process of making candles, I put a lot of love, care, and attention to detail, so the candle is perfectly made. Hence, when my customer has the candle at their home, they can feel the love I have put into making that unique candle to beautify their space.
Also, something that most people may not know about me is that I am a perfectionist and passionate about my work. I always want to give my very best; I believe it reflects in my work and art. And lastly, I am an honest person that does not stop until I reach my goal.
Pricing:
- The lowest candle is $4.99
- The expensive candle is $39.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dahilbar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahilbar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DahilBar/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dahilbar
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dahilbar/
