OUR STORY

THE MISSION

To celebrate and elevate the cultural crossroads of being Latin@ and American.

PORQUE LATIN@ CANDLES?

Candles are an ancient symbol of divine life in Latin America.

They evoke the ephemeral feeling of home and childhood memories.

U.S. Latin@ are balancing cultural preservation with American values and are deeply connected to their heritage.

WHO WE ARE

Bonita Fierce Candles is dedicated to creating premium home fragrance inspired by Latin heritage, providing a sense of familiarity, home and belonging. Latinos don't have scents and fragrances that accurately represent them in the home fragrance industry and we are changing the face of home fragrance. We stand to celebrate and elevate the cultural crossroads of being Latin@ and American.

INSIDE THE CANDLE

  • Coconut Soy Wax
  • Phthalate-Free
  • FSC-Certified Wooden Wicks
  • Biodegradable Paper Seed Dust Covers
  • Hand Poured in New York

    ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

    Being Latin@ and American is not a linear experience.

    For me, it meant a life-long struggle to navigate language, culture, and heritage as a brown, non-Spanish-speaking Latina.

    What started as my parent’s attempt to shield me from racism and discrimination, also became a source of isolation and disconnect with my culture. When I sought resources or community, I never saw myself mirrored in spaces or included in conversations, which created a deep insecurity in my identity as a Latina, and distorted my feelings of what home meant.

    Eventually, I found a space where I felt at home: an online community of Latinas. There I encountered people with stories and experiences like mine. And I realized, that feeling–of belonging, of finding your place, of being home– I wanted to create that feeling for other Latinas who were on journeys similar to mine.

    And so, I poured my first candle. I realized Latin@s don't have scents and fragrances that accurately represent them in the home fragrance industry.

    I create candles that do more than light up rooms and fill them with beautiful aromas. I create candles that fill the gaps that I had been feeling my entire life. Candles that tell nuanced and unique stories I knew Latin@ communities craved. Candles that connect self-care and the complexities of blended cultures. Candles that celebrate, honor, and authentically represent niche Latin@ American experiences.

    I created Bonita Fierce Candles.

    ~ Melissa

    Melissa Gallardo