We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maya Barbery. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maya below.

Hi Maya, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

Candles became my addiction once I bought my first artisan made candle at a holiday market. I was 15 and we had just moved back to Bolivia, after 10 years in the US. Mom and I went holiday shopping. I saw a pillar candle that was purple and white ombre; it looked like a piece of amethyst. I bought it on the spot.

After that day, anytime I saw artisan markets I would look for a candle maker.

A few years and quite a few dollars later, in my late 20’s, I decided to try and learn how to make candles. I went to the local library and checked out a few books. Armed with my new knowledge I went to make some candles. The first attempts were… interesting. But, with perseverance we made more, and it was finally a success!

I used them for mainly for myself. One day a good friend was over and saw my candle, she asked me where I got it. I told her I made it. She asked if I had anymore. I said I made a few at a time. She took one. After this, I began to make them as gifts. I would pick a color and scent for the season and go to town making my friends and family mason jar candles.

In late 2020, I wanted to explore the idea of having my own side business to go along with my 9-5 full time job. One day my husband mentioned how much he loved my candles and that since I already loved making them, it would be a great idea to create them for my side business. I was taken back by the idea because I never thought that anyone would love them like I did and would like to purchase them. However, with his support, I decided to go for it. I am so happy I took a chance on myself!

The candles are my pride & joy and the core product of my growing business. I am so proud of the candles I make; they offer a unique crystal & herb infused experience. Each ingredient is carefully chosen by hand to match the intention that the candle is created for. From the color of the candle, the scent, to the herbs and crystals, they are special to each candle, down to the mantra written on each label.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Angel’s Mystical Artifacts is a Latina Woman owned business. I am originally from Boliva and infuse a lot of my culture into my shop and handmade products I offer. I have always had a deep love for all things artisanal and handmade items throughout my life. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and helping others with their spiritual growth. With the love and support from my husband, family and friends, I decided to turn my candle making hobby into a business.

The candles you see today are mixture of my personal experience, knowledge, and spiritual beliefs over the years. I did extensive market research and noticed that there were very few variations of intention candles that had both crystals and herbs. After my husband’s encouragement, I realized that others may have use for them as much as I did.

Being in an area that only has a few brick-and-mortar metaphysical shops, I provide an alternate way to ensure my customers have access to these specialty products. I have many clients that follow me to see what new items I have come up with, as I also sell seasonal limited-edition creations. I do my best to have a variety of items available for everyone no matter what the occasion.

I infuse much of my Bolivian culture into my shop. I offer beautiful amulets, notebooks, and handmade cloths. You can purchase specialty items that include Bolivian Palo Santo infused spray and Powerful prosperity spray made in traditional Andean practices.

No metaphysical shop is complete without a divination specialist, a field in which I have 30 years of experience. I currently offer monthly readings at a local cafe and a novelty shop. Aside from this I do virtual readings for clients I have had for many years from the various places I have lived. Reading sessions are now available for purchase on my website,

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I wanted my product to be of the highest quality available, ensuring I sell a product that I would buy for myself. I research all materials used, manufactures, and what products customers are in need of. Candles, for example, are made with only 100% organic soy wax, genuine crystals, and organic herbs. For the crystal infused decorations, I make sure that the best quality crystals and raw material are used. Great products crafted and selected with care provide a unique experience that you want to repeat time and time again.

In my quest to become a household name, I partner with fellow local businesses to showcase and sell my products. By choosing specialty shops, we are able to offer a wide selection to the public all in one stop. Selling locally has offered me a way to get firsthand customer insight into what makes my customers want to buy, what they would like to see changed or what I can help make more available to them. I take all feedback as positive no matter what it is. All communication offers insight to how I can grow as a business and enhance my product in the future.

I am a big believer in supporting my community; therefore, I promote fellow vendors that sell alongside me by buying from and spotlighting them on my personal and business social media pages. I provide information for upcoming in-person markets for those vendors looking to start selling in these types of environments. I also help local venues find the right types of vendors for their selling events. This has all allowed me to create a network of artisans like myself. By helping and supporting each other anyway that we can so that we are successful businesses and continue to grow.

Success isn’t just about oneself; it is truly a community effort.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When it came to using social media for my personal business I was lost, I took boot camps and read a ton of “how to” articles. These taught me a lot, both on what to and what not to do.

After deciding to start my own business I took some time to see what I liked about business posts and what I didn’t care for. I realized that salesy-pushy posts were a definite NO. However, posts that taught me something, that added value, or that made me laugh always made me curious about the company. I also enjoy learning about the person that owns the business, I like feeling that I am building rapport with them.

I added these practices into my personal and business pages. I do short educational series, I share about how products are made, I provide my upcoming in person market dates, my travels, my pets, and every now and again a product that is coming out soon, or that got a makeover. I do my best to provide content that adds value to my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.angelsmysticalartifacts.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsMysticalArtifacts/
• Other: https://
  https://linktr.ee/angelsmysticalartifacts

Image Credits

I took all photos