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Bonita Fierce Candles: Candles Con Cultura

Bonita Fierce Candles is dedicated to creating premium candles inspired by Latinx heritage and home. Candles Con Cultura.

$6,370
pledged of$30,000 goal
21
0Days Left

Project Description

Caress Dream Fund Grant Recipient

 

Bonita Fierce Candles' mission is to celebrate the cultural crossroads of being Latinx and American.
Pictured: Mucho Amor Candle

Bonita Fierce Candles is a premium candle brand that celebrates and elevates Latin@ heritage and home, providing a sense of familiarity, home, and belonging. Our mission is to celebrate the cultural crossroads of being Latin@ and American.

I'm Melissa Gallardo, the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, born and raised by a single mom on Long Island NY.  Only as a young adult did I begin to embrace my heritage, and found myself shopping for products that spoke to my identity, including candles. 

Here's the Problem: 

There are 64+ million Latinos in the U.S. How many Latin candle brands can you name?
Pictured: Cafecito Con Leche Candle

Latin@s don't have scents and fragrances that accurately represent them in the home fragrance industry. People need to see themselves represented on products as simple as a candle.

What are options? You'll find scents like Ocean Breeze, Champagne Toast or Merry Merlot.  You'll find big brands appropriating our culture and celebrating Latin heritage once a year. 

At Bonita Fierce Candles, we are unapologetically Latin@ and see celebrating your heritage as self-care.

¿Porque Latin@ Candles?

Porque Latin Candles? An ancient symbol of divine life in Latin America. Evoke the ephemeral feeling of home and childhood memories. U.S. Latinos are balancing cultural preservation with American values and are deeply connected to their heritage.
Pictured: Azúcar Candle

Candles are an ancient symbol of divine life in Latin America. They evoke the ephemeral feeling of home and childhood memories. 

As the face of America is changing and multiculturalism grows, so do underrepresented industries. Hispanics are young, educated and embody 200% of a person, 100% Hispanic and 100% American. By 2024, 25.3% of the millennial population will be Hispanic with the median age of a Hispanic at 28 years old. 

Today's generation is balancing what it means to be Latin@ and American and are deeply connected to their heritage. They see celebrating their heritage and culture as self-care. They're ready to become their most authentic self.

Navigating language, culture, and assimilation in my community was a challenge. I felt insecure in my identity as a Latina and I know how painful it is to feel like you're not from where you're from. 

No soy ni de aquí, ni de allá.

Bonita Fierce is a gateway to celebrate the cultural crossroads of being Latin@ and American through candles.

How We Are Changing The Home Fragrance Industry

Coquito and Lavender Fabulosa Candle
(Right) Coquito Candle, (Left) Lavender Fabulosa Candle

With little to no representation of Latin@s in the home fragrance and candle industry, we are formulating fragrances that evoke the ephemeral feeling of Latin@ homes and childhood memories.

We are dedicated to Latin@ heritage and balancing Latin@ cultural preservation with American values. 

Why We Are Crowdfunding

The first Latina-owned and Inspired Candle Brand Debuts at Nordstrom
Bonita Fierce Candles, the first Latina-owned and inspired candle brand debuts at Nordstrom on September 1, 2022.

Did you know 2/3 of candle brands are sold in big box stores? We're raising $30,000 to cover the cost of inventory to grow and expand Bonita Fierce Candles into more retail stores nationwide. We've hit select Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com and that's just the beginning. Your contribution will help us order in large quantities at a cost effective price to fulfill our retail demand.

How You Can Help Us Reach Our Goal

Help us reach our goal by contributing any amount you can and sharing with family and friends!
Pictured: Strawberry Dulce Candle

Contribute any amount you can to our campaign to help us reach our goal! We have also put together a set of rewards you will receive for supporting our campaign!

We also encourage you to help us spread the word by sharing our campaign to family and friends! You can share it on social media, email, or word of mouth!

Thank You

Thank you! Gracias!

 

Finally, we want to thank you for your support in expanding Bonita Fierce Candles. Your contributions will directly impact our efforts to bring Latin@ candles that represent our heritage and culture to retail shelves.

To learn more, please reach out to Melissa at [email protected] for additional information.

Updates

The Campaign FAQs

Crowdfunding Questions:

  • When will my rewards arrive?
    • Virtual thank you reward is delivered immediately.
    • Physical rewards (like candles/bag) will be shipped 4-6 weeks after our campaign has ended. We will provide updates when items have shipped and/or if we are experiencing delays.
    • For custom candles, we will be reaching out directly to coordinate your candles within 48 hours of a contribution. 
       
  • What do the exclusive, limited edition candles look like?
    • We are currently finalizing our label and will update the campaign when they're ready!
       
  • Can I gift my reward to someone else?
    • Of course! Share with us who you would like to gift your reward to when we contact you for details. 
       
  • Are you looking for brand partnerships or offering brand sponsorship opportunities? 
    • Yes! We're always interested in partnering with brands and organizations that align with our mission and values. Drop us a message at [email protected] so we can chat!
       
  • How else can I support Bonita Fierce Candles?
    • In addition to contributing to our campaign, you can also help us out by:
      • Sharing our campaign with your friends and family! Spreading the word and making our campaign visible to as many people will help us in reaching our goal!

For inquiries please email us at [email protected]

Anne Margaret
09/14/2022
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin
$50
Joanna Kemper
09/10/2022
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin
$50
09/10/2022
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin
$50
Sophia Langhi
09/07/2022
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin
$50
Angelee Lopez
09/04/2022
Virtual Thank you
$30
Nicol Varona
09/01/2022
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin
$50
Penelope Rodriguez
08/28/2022
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin
$50
Jaclyn Marchetta
08/19/2022
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin
$50
Carolyn
08/19/2022
Monetary Contribution
$50
Carly J. Bauer
08/18/2022
Monetary Contribution
$5
Monetary Contribution

Donate to our campaign what you can. Every contribution counts and we thank you for supporting our mission!

3 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Virtual Thank you

Get a virtual thank you shout out from us on our social media!

2 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Stickers & Personalized Thank you!

You’ll receive a personalized card and stickers as a thank you for your support.

74 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin

You'll receive a personalized thank you card, sticker and limited edition 4.3 oz candle tin!

You may choose (1) Horchata, Tres Leches OR Churro candle scent.

  • Horchata smells like a smooth and rich cinnamon and creamy vanilla agua fresca
  • Tres Leches smells like a creamy, milk, butter, vanilla filled sponge cake
  • Churro smells like fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar

These candles are exclusive to the Bonita Fierce Candles crowdfunding campaign.

60 Left
12 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Exclusive & Limited Edition Luxe Candle

You'll receive a personalized thank you card, sticker and limited edition, luxury 8oz candle!

You may choose (1) Horchata, Tres Leches OR Churro candle scent.

  • Horchata smells like a smooth and rich cinnamon and creamy vanilla agua fresca
  • Tres Leches smells like a creamy, milk, butter, vanilla filled sponge cake
  • Churro smells like fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar

These candles are exclusive to the Bonita Fierce Candles crowdfunding campaign.

70 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Exclusive Luxe Candle & BFC Swag

You'll receive a personalized thank you card, sticker, a BFC tote bag, and a limited edition luxury 8oz candle! You may choose (1) Horchata, Tres Leches OR Churro candle scent.

  • Horchata smells like a smooth and rich cinnamon and creamy vanilla agua fresca
  • Tres Leches smells like a creamy, milk, butter, vanilla filled sponge cake
  • Churro smells like fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar

These candles are exclusive to the Bonita Fierce Candles crowdfunding campaign.

71 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
100 Custom Candles

Do you want to gift a Latinx candle at your next event?

Get 100 custom candle tins for your next wedding, bridal shower, client gift, corporate event, and friends! 

Please answer all questions on your order notes to allow us to better determine how we can make these candles for you quickly and without hassle! We will contact you within 48 hours to discuss your custom candles.

1. What is event/company/occasion is this for?

2. What is the timeline/date of delivery for your candles? Please note our turnaround time (before shipping) is 7-10 business days.

3. What would you like your candle to say? Please keep it short and sweet (or chaotic, funny, whitty, your choice).

4. What scent(s) would you like? (You may find all the scent descriptions on our Scents Page)

 

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
250 Custom Candles

Do you want to gift a Latinx candle at your next event?

Get 250 custom candle tins for your next wedding, bridal shower, client gift, corporate event, and friends! 

Please answer all questions on your order notes to allow us to better determine how we can make these candles for you quickly and without hassle! We will contact you within 48 hours to discuss your custom candles.

1. What is event/company/occasion is this for?

2. What is the timeline/date of delivery for your candles? Please note our turnaround time (before shipping) is 7-10 business days.

3. What would you like your candle to say? Please keep it short and sweet (or chaotic, funny, whitty, your choice).

4. What scent(s) would you like? (You may find all the scent descriptions on our Scents Page)

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Islip terrace, NY
Created 1 Campaign
Lifestyle

Rewards

Monetary Contribution

Donate to our campaign what you can. Every contribution counts and we thank you for supporting our mission!

3 Supporters
Select this reward
10.00 USD
Virtual Thank you

Get a virtual thank you shout out from us on our social media!

2 Supporters
Select this reward
25.00 USD
Stickers & Personalized Thank you!

You’ll receive a personalized card and stickers as a thank you for your support.

74 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
50.00 USD
Exclusive & Limited Edition Candle Tin

You'll receive a personalized thank you card, sticker and limited edition 4.3 oz candle tin!

You may choose (1) Horchata, Tres Leches OR Churro candle scent.

  • Horchata smells like a smooth and rich cinnamon and creamy vanilla agua fresca
  • Tres Leches smells like a creamy, milk, butter, vanilla filled sponge cake
  • Churro smells like fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar

These candles are exclusive to the Bonita Fierce Candles crowdfunding campaign.

60 Left
12 Supporters
Select this reward
100.00 USD
Exclusive & Limited Edition Luxe Candle

You'll receive a personalized thank you card, sticker and limited edition, luxury 8oz candle!

You may choose (1) Horchata, Tres Leches OR Churro candle scent.

  • Horchata smells like a smooth and rich cinnamon and creamy vanilla agua fresca
  • Tres Leches smells like a creamy, milk, butter, vanilla filled sponge cake
  • Churro smells like fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar

These candles are exclusive to the Bonita Fierce Candles crowdfunding campaign.

70 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
300.00 USD
Exclusive Luxe Candle & BFC Swag

You'll receive a personalized thank you card, sticker, a BFC tote bag, and a limited edition luxury 8oz candle! You may choose (1) Horchata, Tres Leches OR Churro candle scent.

  • Horchata smells like a smooth and rich cinnamon and creamy vanilla agua fresca
  • Tres Leches smells like a creamy, milk, butter, vanilla filled sponge cake
  • Churro smells like fried dough coated with cinnamon and sugar

These candles are exclusive to the Bonita Fierce Candles crowdfunding campaign.

71 Left
1 Supporter
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
100 Custom Candles

Do you want to gift a Latinx candle at your next event?

Get 100 custom candle tins for your next wedding, bridal shower, client gift, corporate event, and friends! 

Please answer all questions on your order notes to allow us to better determine how we can make these candles for you quickly and without hassle! We will contact you within 48 hours to discuss your custom candles.

1. What is event/company/occasion is this for?

2. What is the timeline/date of delivery for your candles? Please note our turnaround time (before shipping) is 7-10 business days.

3. What would you like your candle to say? Please keep it short and sweet (or chaotic, funny, whitty, your choice).

4. What scent(s) would you like? (You may find all the scent descriptions on our Scents Page)

 

10 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
2,500.00 USD
250 Custom Candles

Do you want to gift a Latinx candle at your next event?

Get 250 custom candle tins for your next wedding, bridal shower, client gift, corporate event, and friends! 

Please answer all questions on your order notes to allow us to better determine how we can make these candles for you quickly and without hassle! We will contact you within 48 hours to discuss your custom candles.

1. What is event/company/occasion is this for?

2. What is the timeline/date of delivery for your candles? Please note our turnaround time (before shipping) is 7-10 business days.

3. What would you like your candle to say? Please keep it short and sweet (or chaotic, funny, whitty, your choice).

4. What scent(s) would you like? (You may find all the scent descriptions on our Scents Page)

5 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward