from hobby to hustle: migi cera candles
From a small kitchen to a thriving storefront, Marcelina's journey is one of passion, resilience, and creativity. What began as a personal quest to create safe and beautifully scented candles has blossomed into a successful business rooted in family, culture, and community. Juggling a career in healthcare, candle making as self-care, and raising a family, she has turned her love for blending fragrances into a full-fledged brand.
Beyond just crafting candles, she has built a space that fosters connection, education, and joy. Her commitment to sustainability, creativity, and community is reflected in every candle she makes.
“My story isn’t just about candles—it’s about taking a chance on yourself, pushing past fear, and creating something you truly love.”
makers, meet: migi cera candles
discovering her superpower
"I started my journey in 2018 when I became pregnant with my second daughter. During that time, I focused on improving my body care because my skin was really struggling. That’s when I discovered my “superpower”—my sense of smell. I began researching extensively and learning about the different ingredients that go into candles—both good and bad. One of my biggest frustrations was buying candles that either had no scent when burned or falling in love with a fragrance only to never find it again. So, I decided to create my own."
from kitchen to creativity
"I started making candles right in my small kitchen while working part-time as a healthcare worker. Healthcare provides my livelihood, but candle making is my self-care. I’ve always loved blending perfumes and never wear just one scent, so I incorporated that passion into my candles. I mix over ten different fragrance oils to craft unique, one-of-a-kind blends, ensuring that every candle I make is something truly special. One of the most fun parts of this journey has been naming my candles in Spanish, adding a touch of my heritage while making each one unique. My family and I love coming up with names together—it’s become a special part of the process that brings us so much joy."
from side hustle to storefront
"Over the past seven years, my journey has evolved in ways I never imagined. What started as making candles in my kitchen has grown into something life-changing. In 2022, my side hustle allowed me to purchase a home, and today, I’m beyond thrilled to share that I now have a small storefront in the Bay Area, alongside two other local small businesses. The sense of community has been both overwhelming and incredible. Having a space where people can come in and experience the joy of candle-making firsthand has been a dream come true. But for me, it’s never just been about the candles—it’s about sharing the process and the creativity behind them."
sharing the joy of candle making
"Teaching has always been a passion of mine. In my healthcare career, I love educating others, and that passion carries over into my candle-making. Now, with my own space, I get to teach people the simplicity and fun of candle-making, whether it’s for a date night, team bonding, or just a creative escape. Seeing people come together, connect, and experience joy with me is truly the most rewarding part of this journey."
believing in yourself
"I’ve learned that believing in yourself is half the battle. Fear can be a huge roadblock, but it can also be a powerful motivator. Is owning a business a little scary? Of course. But I’m fortunate to have a family of cheerleaders who support me every step of the way. Balancing a small business, a part-time job, and a family is a lot of work, but if you truly believe in what you’re doing, it’s absolutely possible. When I teach my classes or attend an event, I hope the love and passion I pour into my products shine through. I love sharing my journey because I want others to know that if I can do it, they can too. My story isn’t just about candles—it’s about taking a chance on yourself, pushing past fear, and creating something you truly love."
advice to new makers
"One of the hardest challenges to tackle is time—balancing time for yourself, your family, creativity, and another job can be overwhelming. I do my best, but this year, I’ve learned that asking for help is essential. With my storefront now open, I’ve had to hire employees and trust people to take care of my business so I can spend more time with my family. That has been a challenge, but also a huge step forward.
One of my biggest accomplishments has been opening the store and purchasing a home—both incredible payoffs for all the late nights, weekends, and countless hours I’ve dedicated to my small business, events, and shows.
This year, I’ve made balance a priority. I’ve realized I can’t do everything on my own, so I’ve hired people to help with social media, my website, and rebranding. These were all things I used to handle alone, but getting support has given me so much peace of mind."
a dream come true
"One of the most incredible and surreal moments was opening our store in May 2024. We were invited to be part of the San Jose Downtown Association program, an initiative to help revive downtown San Jose. Being given the opportunity to own a storefront alongside two other women-owned businesses who built their own small businesses was a total game-changer for me. To top it all off, we were interviewed by the local news on our grand opening day—it was an unforgettable experience! Having an audience watch me live out my dream was both nerve-wracking and exhilarating.
Not only can people make their own candles with us at Sueños, but they can also shop from a variety of local vendors and explore other handmade goods created by my co-owners. Our store is more than just a candle-making space—it’s a place to support small businesses, connect with the community, and discover unique, handcrafted products."
my family, my why
"Milah and Giannah, my two little girls, are the inspiration behind our name, MiGi. Since I started making candles and products while I was pregnant, I’ve always been mindful of what goes into each one—ensuring they are safe, pet-friendly, nontoxic, and have the perfect fragrance that’s not overpowering but just right.
In 2022, our son Ezrah came along, and he inspired his own candle. While MiGi was already established, his candle has become one of our top sellers in the store and a favorite in our candle-making classes.
My family is my why. Being a mom means leading by example, and I hope to show my kids that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Nothing worth doing is easy, but the rewards are always worth it. My goal is to inspire my children to dream big and believe in themselves, just as I have.
Everything I do is for them, and I’m so grateful for the unwavering support of my husband and family. Their encouragement has made this journey possible, and I couldn’t do it without them by my side."
make like migi
"Some of my favorite products include our 12-ounce aura vessels, which we use in our candle-making classes. They come in a beautiful range of colors and are also part of our recycling program—we offer refills at half price to encourage sustainability.
I also love adding dried flowers and a touch of glitter to our candles that makesy offers! We enjoy glamming them up with nontoxic ingredients that add a pop of color, making each piece unique and fun.
Another product I adore is the lip balm base along with the variety of flavor options. The different flavor options make them so fun to create, and I truly enjoy crafting products that are both tried and true."
