We were lucky to catch up with Luis Garcia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Luis, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Our optimism is deeply rooted in the timeless wisdom imparted by our parents, who instilled in us the mantra: “Siempre LUCHA por lo que quieres, LUCHA por un futuro mejor.” (Always FIGHT for what you want, FIGHT for a better future.) Their words echo the resilience and determination that characterize our upbringing, reminding us that we must persevere and strive for our aspirations because no one else will do it for us. Many of us are the proud descendants of immigrant parents who sacrificed and toiled tirelessly to provide us with a brighter tomorrow. Their unwavering dedication fuels our resolve, serving as a testament to their enduring legacy and inspiring us to never falter in the pursuit of our dreams.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Our journey is a tale of family, simplicity, and the pursuit of crafting scents that capture the essence of home. Founded by my siblings and me, La Vela Creations is a self-taught venture in the art of candle making.
The spark for our brand ignited during a casual Christmas dinner in 2018 when my sister unwrapped a store-bought candle. Intrigued by the scent but yearning for something more personal, she wondered aloud, ‘Why can’t we have candles that evoke the comforting aromas of home and the cherished moments spent with family?’ Playfully suggesting scents like Pan Dulce and cafe, we shared a laugh, and in that moment, inspiration struck – ‘Why not?’
Post-holidays, armed with determination, we immersed ourselves in the world of candle making. YouTube tutorials became our mentors, guiding us through the intricacies of the craft. With our modest savings, we invested in a candle making kit, navigating through a series of trial and error. Through perseverance, we mastered the art of replicating scents that carried the nostalgic charm of our childhood, and La Vela Creations was born.
We are excited to announce the launch of a new arm of our business, dedicated to sourcing and supplying handcrafted artisanal home goods directly from talented artisans in Mexico. This initiative not only offers customers unique and authentic products but also plays a vital role in supporting and preserving traditional crafts and cultural heritage. By partnering with artisans, we aim to celebrate their craftsmanship and contribute to the sustainability of their communities while providing customers with high-quality, ethically sourced goods that bring a touch of Mexican artistry and tradition into their homes.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Our journey and business have been shaped by three fundamental skills: creativity, innovation, and the unwavering love and support of our cultura. These skills have been instrumental in driving our success and guiding us through challenges. With creativity, we have envisioned new possibilities and brought unique ideas to life. Innovation has empowered us to adapt and evolve, constantly seeking ways to improve and stay ahead in a competitive market. And above all, the love and support of our cultura have provided us with a strong foundation, inspiring us to honor our heritage and connect with our community on a deeper level. Together, these skills have fueled our growth and enriched our entrepreneurial journey.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Our main obstacle lies in the increasing competition from others now making candles in artisanal containers from Mexico. While we were the pioneers in this niche, the market has become saturated with similar offerings. However, what sets us apart are our authentic scents, deeply rooted in our cultura. Scents like café de olla, horchata, pan dulce, and others are true to our heritage and stand as a testament to our originality and commitment to preserving the essence of our cultura.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lavelacreations.com
- Instagram: @lavelacreations
- Facebook: @lavelacreations
- Other: TikTok: @lavelacreations
