Meet Monique Juarez | Candle Maker

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

Hi Monique, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At Soy Amor Candles, we’re a mother-daughter small business from Montebello, CA, driven by our shared love of fragrances and passion for eco-friendly options. Inspired by our extended family in the candle industry, we launched our business in 2019, just before the pandemic hit. After my mom was laid off from her job of 32 years, we decided to create a path that embraced creativity, environmental awareness, and independence from the typical 9-5 routine. Together, we craft beautiful, sustainable candles that bring joy and warmth to any space.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are an all-natural soy candle business inspired by our Mexican American heritage and the vibrant culture of Los Angeles and our beloved city of Montebello. What sets us apart is our commitment to eco-friendly practices and our deep-rooted connection to our community. We take pride in creating scents that evoke memories and emotions tied to our culture and surroundings while being kind to the environment and your health. Our journey began with a passion for non-toxic fragrances and a desire to honor our roots, and we’ve grown through dedication, family support, and a love for what we do.

What we’re most proud of is how we’ve managed to push through the tough times and come out stronger. When the pandemic hit, starting our candle business was a huge challenge. Everything was new to us, and figuring out how to get our name out there amidst a growing number of small candle businesses was daunting. We faced so many challenges—from the overwhelming process of starting up, adapting to the tough economic climate, to finding ways to stand out. It really pushed us to step outside our comfort zone, learn new skills, and deal with doubts and fears, not to mention the naysayers. But through it all, we’ve grown so much and learned to embrace the journey. We’re excited about where we are now and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

We really want people to know that our story is all about perseverance and passion. It’s been a journey of never giving up, working hard, and staying dedicated to what we love. We believe in the importance of making a difference for future generations, which is why we’re so committed to eco-friendly products. It’s about leaving the world a better place, not just for us, but for those who come after us. Our candles are designed to bring quality and warmth into your home, while also being kind to the environment and your health. We hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in Los Angeles is such a blessing because there’s just so much to do and see. If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to give her the full LA experience. We’d start with a hike in the mountains to see some beautiful waterfalls, and then head to the beaches in Malibu, Santa Monica, or Huntington Beach to soak up the sun and surf. LA is such a melting pot of cultures, so for food, we’d explore everything from delicious Mexican and Japanese to Indian cuisine. There are so many great spots to eat in the city.

For some fun nights out, I’d take her to see amazing local bands I follow and enjoy the nightlife, maybe hit up some spots in downtown LA like Grand Performances for live music and events. We’d also have a relaxing pool day at my house, just lounging and catching up. And of course, we’d have to spend a day making candles together, sharing my passion and letting her experience the joy of creating something beautiful and eco-friendly. It would be a week packed with adventure, culture, relaxation, and lots of good times!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We want to give a special shout-out to our successful sister-in-law/aunt from Our Back Porch Candle Co. for generously sharing her knowledge and some of her candle recipes with us to kick start our business. We’re also deeply grateful to our close family members for their unwavering belief in us and their constant motivation to keep pushing forward. We thank the good Lord for blessing our business and for all we have learned and achieved so far.

Website: https://www.SoyAmorCandles.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soyamorcandles.ca/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soyamorcandles.ca/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@soyamorcandles

Image Credits
All image credits to Monique Juarez, co-owner of Soy Amor Candles.
Soy Amor Candles Logo Design by Chris Borbon.