Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcelina Castro.
Hi Marcelina, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started making candles in my small condo kitchen back in 2018, while pregnant with my second daughter. At the time, I was preparing to return to work and searching for a creative outlet. I was also on the hunt for a body butter that would truly help my growing skin, so I began experimenting in my kitchen. After about six different recipes inspired by YouTube tutorials, I finally perfected the formula that I still use today. Soon after, candles followed.
I’ve always had a deep love for candles, but I realized I was spending a lot on ones filled with toxic paraffin—a petroleum byproduct. With my background in healthcare and radiology, I became even more mindful about what I was bringing into my home and exposing my family to. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something bigger, and that’s when my business was born.
The name of my brand comes from my two daughters, Milah and Giannah, who are the heart and inspiration behind everything I do.
I began by joining small local markets in the San Jose community, with incredible support from SJ Made, an organization that uplifts small businesses. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to co-run a storefront to help revitalize downtown San Jose. When that lease ended, I took a leap of faith and ventured out on my own. Today, I’m proud to have my own shop in downtown San Jose in San Pedro Square Market.
What started as a simple creative outlet has grown into something I never imagined—an opportunity to share my love of candles with others. Our candle-making and soap making classes have now become the heart of our business, allowing us to connect with the community in a meaningful and memorable way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m incredibly blessed to have family members who are always there to inspire, encourage, and support me. My husband has been my number one cheerleader from the very beginning. Together, we create the fragrance oils that make our candles so special. This signature touch has become a defining part of our brand.
All of our candles are named in Spanish, a reflection of our culture and heritage. With our shared love of perfumes, we’ve become known for our unique, hand-blended oils—sometimes combining more than 20 different notes to craft a fragrance that is truly our own.
Of course, running a small business while raising three little ones and balancing other jobs hasn’t been easy. Staying creative, current, and connected with our clients has been both a challenge and a priority. Over time, I’ve realized the importance of balance and learning to ask for help. What started as a one-woman show has grown into a team effort—with trusted colleagues now helping manage the store, marketing, branding, and social media.
With their support, I’ve been able to grow this business into what it is today—a labor of love rooted in family, culture, and community.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
At MiGi Cera Candles, we believe candles are more than just something you burn—they’re an experience that brings people together. While we offer a variety of handmade goods, including body butters, soaps, candles, and room sprays (all crafted with natural, non-toxic ingredients), our true specialty lies in our Candle Making and Soap Making classes.
We take the guesswork out of the process by handling all the chemistry for you, while still giving you the fun and creativity of making something by hand. Every candle is made with our signature in-house fragrance oils, crafted exclusively by us, so your creation will always carry a scent unique to our brand.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality and safety. We use only clean ingredients, eco-friendly toppings like dried pressed flowers and eucalyptus-based glitter, and we avoid harsh dyes or chemicals. Our goal is to make Candle Making simple, fun, and memorable—perfect for date nights, corporate events, weddings, or any special occasion worth celebrating.
Since starting in our kitchen in 2018, we’ve grown from countless community pop-ups to proudly owning our own storefront—a milestone we’re deeply proud of. Our journey reflects our passion for creating not just candles, but meaningful experiences that spark connection.
What matters most to you?
At MiGi Cera Candles, what matters most to us is spiritual lifestyle, family, and community. We’ve built our business around these values, creating a safe and welcoming environment where people of all ages can relax, unwind, and connect through the joy of Candle Making.
Whether you’re joining us for a class or purchasing one of our handmade products, we want you to feel the love and care we put into everything we create. Each candle, body butter, soap, and spray is crafted with non-toxic, high-quality ingredients, infused with our exclusive in-house fragrance blends.
We believe fragrance is powerful—it speaks to the soul. It can spark memories, bring nostalgia, and transport us back to special places or moments. That’s why we design our products not just to smell good, but to evoke emotion and connection.
Our workshops offer more than just a craft; they’re about creating moments—whether it’s a date night, a family outing, a corporate event, or simply a chance to pause from life’s busy routines. For us, it’s about blending creativity, wellness, and community into an hour of fun you’ll remember long after the candle has burned.
Our why is where MiGi gets its name and heart: the name comes from our daughters, Milah and Gianna, who inspire us everyday. From humble beginnings in our kitchen in 2018, to opening our very own storefront, we’e remained committed to quality, creativity, and family fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.migiceracandles.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/migi_cera_candles/
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/home/ieWt_sraRbvThSPTYdFDrA/
