Linda Ayala is a Mexican-American mom of three who started making candles for the people she loves.

It began the way these things usually do — not as a business, but as a gift. A candle for a sister’s birthday. A set for a friend’s baby shower. Something small and made by hand, for someone who would know the difference.

People started asking. Then their friends started asking. What began at home is now a growing collection of artisan candles, soaps, and clay pieces, each one made with the same love as the very first.

Everything is still poured by hand, in small batches, in Los Angeles. Linda still makes every custom order personally. If you message her about your daughter’s quinceañera, you are messaging the person who will actually make them.

A little piece of her, in every order.