We were lucky to catch up with Roxana Izquieta recently and have shared our conversation below.

Roxana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I clearly remember the first dollar made as a creative. It was at my first artisan event at the Hollywood Artisan Market. At that time, I would make my candles with bright colors that made my table look pretty. I had skulls, angels, teddybears and goddess candle on display, which caught a lot of people’s attention. That day i made about $800; and couldn’t believe it was all because of everything that I created. In the beginning, it was all about displaying and showcasing all of the beautiful things I had created. I really didn’t think of having such good sales, I just wanted to show the world my art. If I could have given them away for free to anyone who came up to my table I would have. It makes me happy to have people love what I make. As time went on and I attended more markets, I realized that I have a small business here and needed to start to think about my pricing. Materials aren’t cheap but, the beautiful thing about making sculptural candles is that if the candles get damaged I could always reuse the wax and make it again. All the molds I choose are designs that interest me. Although some molds are very expensive, it does not reflect in the price of the candle. It is important to me that I make my candles affordable, I want everyone to own a piece of my art.

Roxana, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My artistic journey was sparked by a family tragedy. Part of my emotional healing has been in creating art. I started with creating abstract paintings and then began an interest in sculptural candles. While my background is in the beauty industry and being an Esthetician as well, there is nothing like making these candles. During the day, I currently work as a Behavior Therapist with children with special needs that is completely rewarding to me. There is inspiration everywhere. I love art and design and started abstract painting in 2016. I decided to start my handmade small business in 2019 and it’s grown to an eclectic atelier of my many creative outlets.There is inspiration everywhere. I love art and design and started abstract painting in 2016. I decided to start my small business in 2019 and it’s grown to an eclectic atelier of my many creative outlets Of course, it has not been a smooth road, but without those struggles, I would not have become who I am today. My passion has been made more rewarding, knowing I have been able to work through any adversity thrown my way. I also work with children with special needs, which comes with its own struggles but in the end, like my art is extremely rewarding. What sets me apart from others is I am an ever-changing artist. I work with wax for candle making, crystals and wire to make jewelry as well as acrylic paint for abstract art. When I started with abstract art, it fueled my passion to create even more and expand my artistic style. I incorporated crystal jewelry which has been described by clients as, enchanting, elegant as well as unique. Which in turn came about my candles and not just any candles. Candles that are as expressive as my jewelry. My candles are very personal for the client, they are an expression of their artistic nature. My art is ever-changing and as unique as myself and the client who buys it.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I like engaging in creative activities that benefit my overall mental and physical health. It helps boost my good mood and good energy and increases feelings of happiness and positivity. When I create something new, I feel a sense of accomplishment and deep pride that helps improve my overall sense of well-being and helps increase my self-awareness and self-expression. As I create, its helps me to express a part of my inner self and my personal unique creative perspective.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Bringing a new idea to life is the most rewarding aspect of my work. During the creative process, I feel most inspired when I have a new idea and the vision to create it. By working through this process, I design and experiment with particular techniques. It is important to maintain an openness and flexibility and to listen to the material, which can lead to new discoveries, keeping the creative cycle ongoing and fresh.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goldenrepubliccolective.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/goldenrepubliccollective
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/goldenrepubliccollective

Image Credits
All images owned by Roxana Izquieta