What inspired me to start my candle business?
2025 was one of the most challenging years of my life, both mentally and financially. As I entered 2026, I knew something had to change.
Back in 2022, I launched a candle business called Casa Candles. While I was passionate about the idea, I lacked direction and clarity. Combined with challenges in my personal life, the business became overwhelming, and eventually, I decided to step away and take a break.
During that time, I focused on healing and reconnecting with myself. One of the most meaningful parts of that journey was diving deeper into Mexican culture. I became fascinated by the traditions, history, and stories that I had never fully explored before. As I learned more about where I came from, I also learned more about who I am.
That experience sparked an idea: What if I could celebrate Mexican culture through elevated, thoughtfully crafted candles? What if every scent could tell a story and create a deeper connection to our heritage?
And just like that, Casa De Sol was born.
Casa De Sol is more than a candle brand. It is a celebration of culture, storytelling, and identity. In a time when the Latino community is often misunderstood and subjected to harmful stereotypes, I wanted to create something that highlights the beauty, richness, and authenticity of our culture.
My goal is not only to create candles but also to educate, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations. Through Casa De Sol, I hope to share stories that challenge ignorance, honor tradition, and help others see Mexican culture through a different lens.
That is the heart behind Casa De Sol, and that is what continues to inspire me every day.
What was wrong with Casa Candles?
I often get asked, “What was wrong with Casa Candles? What made you want to rebrand your small business?”
To be honest, nothing was “wrong” with Casa Candles. I simply wasn’t ready to start a business at that time.
Back then, I spent a lot of time watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, and reading blogs on how to start a candle business. I was constantly trying to understand concepts like niche, target audience, branding, and especially marketing. I would take notes, hoping that reviewing them later would help it all click, but I still struggled to truly grasp what I was learning.
I felt completely lost.
I would ask myself the same questions every new small business owner asks:
“What is your niche?”
My answer: I want to make candles for candle lovers.
“Who is your target audience?”
My answer: Anyone who loves candles.
Fortunately, I had supportive friends who regularly ordered from me. But beyond that, I wasn’t growing. If anything, I was selling myself short and losing money. Eventually, I made the decision to take a break from selling candles.
Fast forward to 2025… from 2022 to 2025, to put it simply they were not my years. I was dealing with a lot of personal and mental challenges and, in many ways, I lost myself during that time. I lacked motivation and energy, and I often found myself saying I would do things, but never following through.
It eventually reached a point where I realized I needed to change. I wasn’t feeling like myself anymore, and I knew something had to shift - emotionally, mentally, and even physically.
Starting a self-love and self-care journey became one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Through that process, I found God, and through Him, I began to rebuild my sense of self. I eventually found my way back to candle making, and at the same time, I developed a deeper interest in Mexican culture.
That’s when everything started to make sense.
I began to ask myself: What if I created candles that carry cultural meaning - nostalgic scents that represent the soul of Mexico?
That idea naturally led me to discover my true niche. As a Latina, it was already a part of who I am. I then became clear on my target audience: the Latino community. Latinos who value family gatherings, who honor their loved ones even after death, and who feel deeply connected to their culture and heritage.
From there, I began to understand what branding actually meant. For the longest time, I thought it was just a logo. But branding is so much more than that - it’s storytelling, message, emotional connection, packaging, presentation, professionalism, and the overall experience a customer has with your business.
I also started to understand marketing in a much clearer way. Instead of trying to appeal to everyone, I could focus on intentional strategies: attending Latino markets, exploring wholesale opportunities, offering custom candles, collaborating with other Latino-owned businesses, sending PR packages to creators with engaged audiences, and connecting with Latino bloggers and influencers who could genuinely share my story and products with their communities.
So when people ask, “What was wrong with Casa Candles?” the answer is simple: nothing was wrong. I just wasn’t ready, and I was also going through a very difficult period in my life.
I decided to rebrand because I needed a fresh start. But this time, I move forward with clarity, direction, and purpose. I’m still learning, still growing, and still figuring things out - but now I’m doing it with intention.
Summary:
Casa De Sol was born from a season of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. After stepping away from my first candle business, Casa Candles, I spent time reconnecting with myself, strengthening my faith, and learning more about Mexican culture. Through that journey, I discovered a deep appreciation for the traditions, stories, and heritage that shaped my identity. What started as a desire to create candles evolved into a vision for a brand that celebrates culture, nostalgia, and meaningful storytelling through scent.
Although there was nothing inherently wrong with Casa Candles, I wasn't fully prepared for the realities of running a business. I lacked a clear niche, target audience, branding strategy, and marketing direction. Over time, I gained a better understanding of what makes a brand successful and realized I wanted to create products that resonate with the Latino community and honor the beauty of Mexican culture. Rebranding as Casa De Sol gave me the opportunity to start fresh with purpose, clarity, and a mission to create candles that inspire connection, preserve cultural traditions, and tell stories that deserve to be shared.