Meet Juan Barbeite | Founder, Chandler

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

Hi Juan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In the Fall of 2020, I, like many others, had been cooped up at home for months with a lot of worry and uncertainty about the future. Along with the pandemic, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. Distancing ourselves from her during her most vulnerable times had me feeling completely overwhelmed and useless. When the doctors explained what changes she needed to make, her frequent use of candles was one. I wanted to be able to do something to lighten up her day. So I did some months of homework and made her a candle free of toxins.
It may not have been perfect but it made her happy. She said it made her feel like I was with her and that flame reminded her to keep fighting.
Candle making became something I really enjoyed and brought me peace. I had so many, I would gift them to family and friends and they really encouraged me to take a step further with them.
With the help of my wife and the support of my family, we started a small candle business officially in January 2021. I also decided to bring back and revive the family business name that once thrived in Batabanó, Cuba over a century ago, “Barbeite y Cia”.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I stumbled upon the artistry of candle-making after my mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. She loves candles but he doctor advised she remove them from her home due to the toxins in the paraffin she was breathing in. We were in the height of Covid and with her immunity so low, we had to distance ourselves. I have a background in the arts so to help ease my mind from the stress of it all, I began exploring art in a way I hadn’t before. It took a lot of research and trial and error before the product was ready. I am still learning new things every day.

But what I want the world to know, especially those fighting cancer, is that it may seem like everything you love is being taken away from you, but there is a way for you to enjoy the things you once loved in a different way. It just takes a little bit of creativity and faith.

My candles are vegan and non-toxic, using 100% soy wax and skin-safe fragrance oils; phthalate-free and adhere to RIFM and IFRA standards.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Even though Miami is known for its beaches, night life and culture, I enjoy the quiet areas. Quiet beaches during the week in Key Biscayne and Ft. Lauderdale, nature walks, and some Cuban coffee- they sell it everywhere! Places to eat; Sanguich on Calle Ocho, Molina’s in Hialeah, and Havana Harry’s in Coral Gables. The malls are fun, but what you will really enjoy are the Farmer’s Markets and meeting the local makers. It is a wonderful community!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am the creator, but my wife and business partner, Michelle Barbeite, makes it all happen and motivates me every day to keep going. She handles the website, the orders, not to mention the design of our product and company.

I carry a little weight on my shoulders reviving the family’s company name but I really believe in this business. It has been amazing seeing my family come together in support and take part in its success. They are my motivation every day to keep working hard to have our name live on.

I would like to recognize the author of “Caymen Cross”, Allen Jack Scott, for his wonderful, creative work on his novel. This book is based on real events, including the last known acts of piracy in the Caribbean involving our family, and because of his research, this is the only written history we have left of our family. We would also like to thank his beautiful family for welcoming us with open arms and sharing their memories.

Website: www.barbeiteco.com

Instagram: @barbeite_co

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbeiteco/