¡Hola Corillo!
Hi, I’m Karylis, but you can call me Kary – the creative heart and soul behind RICANDELA Co. It means so much to share a little bit of my story with you and give you a peek into what fuels our brand. I grew up on the east coast of Puerto Rico, in Fajardo, where my days were filled with adventures in the mangroves and fishing in the sea. Those moments shaped my deep love for nature and sustainability, and they continue to guide the values of my business today. My family, like so many others, had to leave Puerto Rico due to economic challenges, and now I’m living in the Diaspora, in Virginia. Though far from home, my roots in Puerto Rico continue to inspire my work, driving me to build a business that honors both my heritage and commitment to preserving the environment.
Back in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, I was sent home to work remotely due to the uncertainty of what lay ahead. Working a 9-to-5 job from my bedroom as a single mom living with my parents, I knew I needed to create a safe and calming space for my mental health. At 26, my well-being was a top priority, so I poured my energy into redecorating and remodeling my shared bedroom—a space for both me and my toddler.
Everything came together beautifully, except for one missing piece: the perfect candle. I didn’t want just any candle. I wanted one that truly represented me, my space, and my roots. I dreamed of lighting a candle that would spark nostalgia and transport me back home to Puerto Rico, but nothing I found captured the Island’s essence in its fullest potential. That’s when the idea struck me: What if I created a candle company that could bring Puerto Rico’s beauty, culture, and spirit to life?
I ran the idea by my sister, and together, Ricandela Co. was born. While the concept came to life quickly, the name came a little later. We didn’t know anything about candle-making, but we were determined. From day one, we knew we wanted to stay true to our roots and stand out by crafting custom scents that celebrated the Island’s vibrance and charm.
We dove headfirst into the process, studying day and night, sacrificing weekends, and dedicating our 20s to bringing our vision to life. During our first year in business, I was diagnosed with an orbital tumor. This diagnosis not only put life into perspective for me but also fueled a desire to ensure that the products we created were safe, healthy and free of toxic chemicals.
Through long nights and countless failed attempts, we finally created something we’re incredibly proud of: hand-poured candles made with love, inspired by Puerto Rico’s tropical landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable beauty.
Fast forward to today, I now run Ricandela Co. with the help of my loving husband Ariel and our three little princesses.
At Ricandela Co., every candle tells a story. From the nostalgic aroma of island fruits to the breezy essence of the coast, our custom fragrances are designed to spark joy, evoke cherished memories, and bring a little piece of Puerto Rico into your home. Thank you for supporting our journey and for letting us share a part of our Island with you.
