Meet Krystal Lopez | Creative Entrepreneur & Local Candle Dealer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Krystal Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Krystal, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk is a simple word that is easily said rather than done. If you told my younger self that I would quit teaching and become a small business owner, she would be laughing on the floor right now. The one thing that I have learned throughout my walk of life is to take all the discomfort and make it your best friend. There was a point in my life when I felt like I was living in the same loophole. Doing the exact same thing, allowing the same misfortunes to control my life, and punishing myself for not being able to walk the same linear path everyone else was jumping into. Until I had my second heart surgery I knew I had to get out of the pattern that was not working out for me. It was something about being alone in my thoughts that helped me with my creative process. I fell in love with writing and creating things that served a purpose. I completely changed my environment, my head space, and my view toward the life that I was living. I left the comfort zone that I have created for years and never turned back. I definitely can say taking risks is not an easy process, it definitely has taught me to expect the unexpected. Everything serves a purpose; we cannot control every moment life throws at us but we can control our narrative.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a local candle dealer and I am in love with the process that has brought me to this very moment. I craft vegan artisanal candles for my culture with organic essential oils and all the vibes you need. The Space In-Between is not just a candle but a whole experience within itself. Besides lighting up these bad boys, they come with a curated playlist that goes with its mood. I believe candles create a story and my goal is for my customers to live in their moment. The good and the bad moments have a lesson to teach us and help us discover our purpose in this world.

I had no idea I would fall in love with being a candle maker, this thought has never crossed my mind. I made candles as a hobby or to give as gifts to family and friends. Until one day I realized I was not happy where I was career-wise and I wanted to be my own boss. It was not easy to drop everything that I have studied for in college and do something new. It took a lot of pep talks, cries, and self-actualizations to get where I am now. I had to unlearn what I believed was my safe zone and relearned how to become authentically the best version of myself. Now I cry as hard as I work and I am digging every moment of it! I have learned that mind-shift must happen in order to make bold moves. If I could leave all of you a piece of my own advice, it would be to never second guess your dreams. You are worthy of living your moments no matter how your path may end up. Your dreams serve a purpose, there are no limits.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My goodness, do not play with these words! I miss moments with my best friend and she knows it. I would first take her on a coffee date. We would always have our deepest connections over sipping a latte and jamming out to the coffee shop’s playlist. Then we’ll go on a long walk in a park surrounded by giant oak trees. I feel like oak trees have always resembled our friendship, no matter how far apart we are from each other our relationship will always be timeless. After the park, we will grab some soul food at a mom-and-pop spot La Latina (we have to save some $$ and add muster our strengths before hitting happy hour). After, we will grab some drinks at Wooden Tavern (R.I.P) and sing our hearts out. We will talk in different accents or make up a language that makes no sense. People will look at us while contemplating their simpleton lives. We’ll look back and only invite them if they have their dog by their side. Then we’ll hit the beach, catch the sunset, and gaze at the moon all night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a bountiful amount of people that have helped me throughout my journey. My husband has been nothing but my number-one supporter. Helping me through all of the pain from business losses to being my number one hype man! He is not afraid to tell me his opinions, even when I do not ask for his help. He has helped me realize that my potential is limitless and I am so blessed to have a guy like him to keep me going. Also, my kindergarten pal for life Talisa. Tali has been my number one muse within The Space In-Between Co. She has been routing for me behind the scenes almost every day; to the point that not talking to her for a day is not normal. A group that I have to give a shoutout to is the Creative Mornings Family. Wow, I kid you not they are the best group for overall personal growth! Creative Mornings created a space that has always made me feel welcomed, recognized, and important throughout my small business path. Always encouraging to explore within our walk of life while supporting you every step of the way.

I also want to give a shoutout to my parents. The older I get, I’ve realized the moments that they went through in the past have intertwined with my business’s journey. My Mother had a dream one day about opening up her own business and now she is running her own boutique in Jamaica. My father has always been such a hard worker until his Parkinson’s kicked and now he is in tune with his creative side. They both have brought such a big impact within The Space In-Between. The universe has truly blessed me, and I am forever grateful.

Website: https://thespacein-betweenco.squarespace.com/

Instagram: @thespacein_betweenco

Image Credits
Tatyanna Solis