Meet Alma Perez | Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alma Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alma, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been a candle lover for EVER! Since I was old enough to make my own money to buy candles lol. As I got older, I was intrigued by candles. How were they made? What was in them? How could they add the color to them? Where did the scents come from? Etc.. So as curious as I was, I started searching on Google about EVERYTHING. Eventually, I found out that some candles were toxic for us because of the type of wax that was being used and the extra chemicals that were added to keep them lasting longer or to keep their shape. I did not want to inhale any toxic candles, especially with my fur babies in the house, so I ended up starting to make my own non-toxic candles after I had done all my research. I use coconut soy wax for my candles because its all natural and organic. Coconut Soy Wax is made from cold-pressed coconut meat/oil mixed with soy wax (which is derived from soy beans). It is one of the best and healthiest types of wax to make candles because it doesn’t produce as much soot as the other types of wax.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started my business when COVID hit in 2020 by making masks. While still being in quarantine, I eventually transitioned to making tumblers, shirts, basically anything that I could craft/make at home to keep myself and mind busy. The more I made, the more I wanted to learn, which led me to candles. I literally fell in love with making candles. I had found my niche. It’s so tranquilizing! I always zone out into my own bubble when I am making candles. From start to finish, its just very soothing. A lesson learned is to always go with your gut. If your gut is telling you to do something, DO IT! Don’t worry about everyone else’s opinions about how you want to do things for yourself/business. I am a 1st gen latina and also the oldest child/grandchild in the family. I am a SUPER proud sister! 2 years after starting my business, I was able to encourage my whole immediate family into becoming business owners! My sister started her own party decor & photobooth rental shop [AKM Dazzling Events], my mom starting her own rental shop as well with tables & chairs [CA Rentals] and my little brother, a TEEN, started his jibbitz/croc charm business [Off The Grid Charms]. I love that I was able to inspire them! It definitely makes me excited that I was able to inspire my whole family to be their own boss.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is so much to do in Houston that I don’t even know where to start! For starters we would definitely be going to Tikila’s in the Heights. They have free mexican loteria every Tuesday and have local small business that go out as well! I would also search for any local popup market events that would be happening during the week/weekend to take besite.I love supporting local as much as possible because I know what it is to be out there grinding. I love being in the water! Especially with this Texas heat so we will for sure be in the pool! I have yet to go to the Marriott Marquis Houston for the Texas shaped pool BUT I will take bestie there!! Nothing better than to cool down in style.
A cool restaurant that I recently discovered is called San Eatery, its a combination of Chinese and Latin food. It’s in Katy, TX off the Westpark Tollway. So worth the drive lol.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give recognition to my husband. He has been my #1 fan and supporter thoughout my business journey. He is always pushing me when I try to give up or when I’m too tired to do anything. He is always there at market events with me (even when he doesn’t want to be there). I would also like to give thanks to my family, especially my sister! She was also there for me from the beginning with making stickers and shirts for my business and helping me organize at my 1st popup. I thank everyone that has supported me thusfar by sharing my creations with others on social media! Supporting ANY business by following them and sharing their items on social media is the BIGGEST help that anyone can do! AND ITS FREE!

Website: www.scentsbyalma.com

Instagram: @scentsbyalma

Facebook: @scentsbyalma

Other: TikTok: @scentsbyalma Email: scentsbyad23@gmail.com