We were lucky to catch up with Zaira Vela recently and have shared our conversation below.
Zaira, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
At Oceana Crystals Candle Boutique, our mission is to create high-quality, handcrafted candles that bring warmth, tranquility, and sustainability into every home. We are dedicated to using eco-friendly materials and supporting mindful living by crafting products that enhance the atmosphere, while respecting both people and the planet.
Zaira, 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?
As a third generation candle maker, it all started with my Nana and Dad. With their nostalgic stories they would tell me when they were younger, making candles to survive in a small town in Mexico back in the 1960s was not easy.
My Nana became very well known for her candles, because of their meaning behind them. They were called bombon flower candles. She would hand-make all her candles and molds for the special holidays, and church celebrations.
With the help of my dad, he taught me all her secrets to making candles that my Nana would make. With her special formulas she mixed with beeswax and natural soy to the nitty-gritty of learning the skill and craft of making her special flowers.
I think what sets me apart from today’s modern candlemaker is that they are self taught, and I have learned from my family. Which makes it very special to me because candle making is not easy. It’s an art and you’re always learning and creating new techniques to keep up with today’s customers. But what I do love is that I’m able to continue my families traditions and Hispanic heritage.
And in the end, I hope I can continue my families generation of candle making to my children and to continue sharing our candles with our community.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Recently, I have started going to farmers markets where I can be a vendor and sell my candles. And I have noticed that I have created a new engagement with customers that I am now having repeat customers find me at my vendor events, and they are also bringing their friends and families to buy my candles.
This has been the best experience for me because I’m a people person and I love to meet my clients and speak with them I. Person. I like to ask them questions about what brought you back to buy my candles, what do you love about my candles, Is there anything you’re looking specifically for this time around? This has truly helped to grow my business connections and networking all because of my customers helping me by spreading the love of my business.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
What I have done is, I created a checklist of how to keep in contact with my customers. I send personalized emails based on customer preferences, previous purchases, and behaviors. I include relevant offers, updates, or content to keep them engaged.
I engage on Social Media with an active presence . I regularly post content, respond to comments, and engage with my followers. Show your human side by interacting in real-time with live videos and ask them to hit that subscribe button.
Consistent, authentic branding.
Be Transparent! Customers appreciate brands that are transparent and authentic. Be honest about your product or service quality, and openly communicate any issues or changes.
Brand Values, I alway clearly communicate about my brand values and align our actions with them. This creates a deeper emotional connection which helped to build my brand loyalty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Oceanacrystals.com
- Instagram: Oceanacrystals
- Facebook: Oceanacrystals
- Other: My website is currently undergoing construction/revamp.
