Artisan Partners: Casa Viviana - Mexico

As a company that specializes in handicrafts, we have a deep value and respect for the legacy a maker can have.

In February, our team got the chance to take a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico. Our main goal was to establish relationships with local artisan partners in the surrounding villages. One of the artisan partners we met was Casa Viviana, a family-run candle co-op. Like many co-ops can be, Casa Viviana was not only the workshop but also the family home of Senorã Viviana. We walked through the gates of the co-op and Viviana’s daughter-in-law led us to where she was creating petals for some of her intricate candle designs. As we watched her work quickly and skillfully, Viviana shared the story of her business with us. 

Starting when she was a young girl, Vivana’s Abuela taught her the art of making decorative candles. She was very proud to share with us that she has now been creating these intricately detailed candles for over 60 years. Viviana has also won many awards and recognition around the world for her beautiful designs. 

You may be asking yourself, “why candles?” We came to understand that these decorative candles can be an important part of celebrations in Mexican culture. The candles that Vivana was working on while we watched were for a marriage proposal. While we love displaying her work in our homes, knowing that these candles are created for celebration helps us aspire to find it in our everyday lives. 

As we watched her pouring the candles and hearing the pride she takes in each creation, we were truly inspired. Then seeing her family take part in the process reminded us why we love to work with local artisans; it’s about more than just a product, but about supporting families. Handicrafts, while they can be a great souvenir to pick up during our travels, are actually an intricate piece of so many cultures around the world. Not only do they help support a community’s economy, they also preserve the legacy of a culture and indigenous people group. It is important to us to honor and support local artisans around the world so that their stories and handicrafts can live on.

To shop Casa Viviana’s artisan candles, stop by our brick & mortar shop located in Huntsville, AL.

Take Heart. Take Flight.

-Travel Patterns Team