We were lucky to catch up with Katrina Cava recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katrina , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At Sisters of The Moon, our mission is to build a welcoming community hub in Athens, Georgia, where local talents, particularly from marginalized groups, can thrive. I relocated to Athens three years ago during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving behind my Los Angeles roots.

This journey started in my kitchen, where I founded the candle-making brand Sisters of The Moon, a brand that found a physical home in our brick-and-mortar store last January. As a single mother and first-generation Mexican American, I initially felt like an outsider in this small Southern town. However, Athens’ unique blend of charm and local talent drew me in.

I wanted to create a space that celebrated not only the arts and magic but also nurtured the mind, body, and soul. Our boutique features the work of 22 local Athens makers, with over 40 brands represented, all crafted by marginalized groups, including BIPOC and LGBTQ+.

We’re strong supporters of the queer community, hosting gatherings that foster respect and create a safe space for all. We’re proud to offer a platform for local makers without charging fees or commissions. Our upcoming market will showcase Athens’ local talent, with a particular focus on marginalized groups.

Sisters of The Moon isn’t just a store; it’s a space of unity, love, and understanding. It’s a place where you can explore, connect, and experience the magic of our vibrant community. We invite you to visit and see for yourself.

Katrina , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started making candles as a form of therapy during a challenging period in my life. I had recently come to terms with the loss of my estranged husband, and I was the sole caretaker for our two daughters. My mental health had taken a significant hit, and I began seeing a therapist who asked me a crucial question: “What do you do for yourself?” At that moment, I realized I had no answer. However, my therapist saw something in me; she saw my creative spirit and suggested I make something.

That’s when I started crafting bath bombs and eventually, candles. Being a lover of candles and always drawn to the rituals and inner work associated with them, I felt a deep connection to this craft. It was like a calling that I couldn’t ignore. The initial inspiration to take my creations public came from a friend who wanted to purchase $100 worth of my items. I had no idea how to accept such an offer, but it ignited the desire to create an Etsy account and share my creations on Instagram.

Moving forward, we’ve now reached over 40 stores worldwide. It’s important to note that I didn’t have a background in business or formal education in this field. I became a mother at the age of 21, and I was simply learning as I went. This journey has been driven by a genuine passion for creating and connecting with others.

Today, while the candles and products we offer remain central to our brand, my primary focus is on the community we’ve cultivated at Sisters of The Moon. I’m incredibly proud of this community, where we see makers grow and witness their unrelenting dedication. Their drive is not only inspiring but also fuels my own commitment to this business. I firmly believe that there is always room for more at the table, and that’s the guiding principle behind our brand. We proudly carry a diverse array of candle makers and self-care brands, celebrating the uniqueness of each creator.

Ultimately, what I want potential clients, and followers to know about Sisters of The Moon is that we’re more than a brand; we’re a community that values and supports the creative spirit in all of us. We’re proud of the nurturing space we’ve created, where people can explore their creativity and connect with others who share their passions.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

My upbringing wasn’t easy; it was marked by various forms of abuse. Growing up, I had emotionally unstable parents, which created a turbulent environment.

While my family aimed to offer a life of privilege to the best of their capacity, and I’m grateful for their intentions, the reality was that these advantages couldn’t fully shield us from the presence of abuse. It created a complex and challenging environment within our home, where the external benefits couldn’t completely alleviate our internal struggles. In the midst of Los Angeles’ renowned “glitz and glamour”, this contrast between privilege and pain unfolded throughout my upbringing, and in turn, led me to a wild teenage and early adult life.

My journey included navigating through abusive relationships, including a marriage that added complexity to my story. Each time, I found myself looking in the mirror, asking whether change was possible. It’s a lesson that I had to learn repeatedly.

Through this journey, I had to become my own source of strength and resilience eventually while raising my children. The label of “survivor” I wear today is a testament to the inner struggles and determination it took to reach this point.

Now, in this phase of my life, I’m focused on becoming the best version of myself, not just for me but for my daughters too. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving.

Over the past six years, I’ve found a supportive community of people who share their stories and healing processes. We lift each other up, celebrating personal and professional achievements. We’re a community that believes in resilience and transformation, and we’re all on this journey together.

In the end, it’s not just about surviving the challenges life throws our way; it’s about thriving and becoming the best versions of ourselves. We’re all on this journey of growth and transformation, supporting each other, and celebrating the victories, both big and small. Together, we’re a community that believes in the power of resilience, and we’re proof that, no matter where we come from, we can create the life we want.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

The shift from my conventional 9-5 career in the financial industry and administrative roles to pursuing my passions marked a truly transformative journey. Those early roles often required me to conceal my true self, hiding my tattoos and piercings to conform to a corporate image.

Despite the challenges I faced during that period, I approached my work with unwavering dedication, cherishing every opportunity to learn and grow in countless classes and meetings. I genuinely appreciate the knowledge and skills I acquired during those times. These experiences not only helped me survive but also instilled a strong work ethic.

The turning point in my life occurred when I made the courageous choice to follow my passions. I transitioned into my side-hustle, which gradually blossomed into my main business and career.

Throughout this journey, I reached deeply personal milestones marked by self-discovery and growth. It became evident that I could turn my passions into a profoundly fulfilling career. Over time, I built a loyal following, mainly through friends and clients sharing their positive experiences. I also utilized social media and engaged with my community to connect with more people. This newfound authenticity deeply resonated with my audience, contributing to even greater success.

In summary, my transition from a traditional 9-5 career to a passion-driven business has been marked by its set of challenges, and these challenges continue to be part of the journey. However, it has granted me a deep sense of fulfillment and authenticity. It’s a path where I can be myself in my business without holding back. I move forward with sincere gratitude and excitement for the adventures that await.

Contact Info:

• Website: shopsotm.com
• Instagram: @shopsotm
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sistersofthemoon222

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