Alejandra Henriquez, founder of Sparkly CA, creating candles designed to inspire mindfulness, sustainability, and balance in a fast-paced world.
Alejandra Inspires a Movement for Sustainability, Mindfulness, and Purposeful Living with Her Eco-Conscious Candle Brand
Alejandra Henriquez, founder of Sparkly CA, shares how her Spanish roots, London life, and passion for sustainability inspired her to create an eco-conscious candle brand promoting mindfulness and intentionality.
A lejandra Henriquez is a shining example of what happens when passion and purpose collide in the world of entrepreneurship. At just 24, she has embraced the challenge of building a brand that not only champions mindfulness but also places sustainability at the heart of its mission. Sparkly CA, her eco-conscious candle business, is a testament to her ability to merge artful craftsmanship with a vision for a more intentional, balanced way of living. Alejandra’s journey—from her roots in Spain, where life’s pace encourages connection and presence, to navigating the bustling streets of London—has informed every step of her entrepreneurial story, shaping Sparkly CA into far more than just a candle brand. It is, in essence, a beacon of calm amidst chaos, guiding those seeking to reconnect with themselves and their environment.
Her determination to foster mindfulness through small, daily rituals has created a movement—one that encourages conscious choices and gentle moments of reflection while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability. Sparkly CA isn’t just about products; it’s about practices, values, and intention. Through her unwavering commitment to ethical production and eco-friendly materials, Alejandra poses a challenge to the industry, inviting consumers to embrace a better, more sustainable lifestyles. Her ability to balance academic studies in Biomedical Science with crafting high-quality, handmade candles is nothing short of inspiring, demonstrating the resilience, organisation, and passion that define her as a modern entrepreneur.
In this interview, Alejandra Henriquez shares the deeply personal motivations behind Sparkly CA, the challenges she has faced as a young business owner, and her vision for a future where mindful living and sustainability reign. Her words are both a source of encouragement and a call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs to stay connected to their values and purpose. Sparkly CA is not just a business; it is Alejandra’s contribution to a peaceful and meaningful existence—one that inspires us all to slow down, reflect, and live with intention.
Could you share the inspiration behind starting Sparkly CA and your personal journey that led to the creation of the brand?
Sparkly CA was born from a deep personal need to reconnect with myself and create something meaningful, something that could nurture both people and the planet. There was a time when I felt alive, but not truly living. Life was moving so fast that I could not enjoy the present moment and my mind was constantly stuck in the past or worrying about the future. I wasn’t giving the present the importance it deserved, so this realization became a turning point, where I understood that I needed a way to ground myself in the now, to live more consciously and intentionally. Sparkly CA emerged as that path, not only to help me, but to support others who may feel the same disconnection in their everyday lives.
From the very beginning, I knew that creating a brand without responsibility toward the planet wouldn’t feel authentic. If I was going to build something, it had to be aligned with my values. That’s why sustainability is embedded at the core of Sparkly CA. The brand is about encouraging mindful living while also helping people make better and more conscious choices for themselves and for the environment.
How has moving from Spain to London influenced your perspective on mindfulness and living intentionally?
Moving from Spain to London has deeply influenced my perspective on mindfulness and intentional living. I was living in Valencia, a well-known and vibrant city, but its lifestyle is very different from London’s. In Spain, life moves at a slower, more intentional pace. People are highly aware of the value of time and energy and they take the space to truly enjoy everyday moments, whether it’s sharing a drink at a corner bar with friends and family or quietly reading a book. Time is distributed in a way that allows different aspects of life to feel balanced and fulfilled.
London, on the other hand, is constantly rushing. Time never seems to be enough, and days pass so quickly that it becomes difficult to stay present or fully enjoy what you are doing in the moment. Instead, your mind is often focused on what comes next. Experiencing this contrast made me realize how easily we can disconnect from the present, and it became one of the main reasons I began my journey with Sparkly CA, to reconnect with mindfulness and live more intentionally, even in a fast-paced environment.
How do you manage to balance studying Biomedical Science with running a successful eco-conscious candle business?
Balancing my Biomedical Science studies with running an eco-conscious candle business is definitely challenging, but seeing my efforts turn into real results motivates me to keep going. Weekends play a key role in managing both worlds. Since I also work during the week, I use that time to prepare products, plan ahead, and complete my academic assignments.
Organisation is essential, that’s why I plan my time carefully and stay disciplined with my schedule. Most importantly, I try to enjoy what I do and put intention into every task. When you work with purpose and passion, even demanding schedules feel more manageable, and everything begins to flow more smoothly.
What led you to choose candles as the focus of your expression for mindfulness and sustainability?
I chose candles because the candle industry is constantly growing, and I believe it’s important for people to make more conscious choices about what is better for their bodies and the planet. Candles were one of the practices that helped me reconnect with myself and return to the present moment. The simple ritual of lighting a candle, especially on a rainy day, became a grounding experience that helped keep my energy balanced.
As I researched more deeply, I realized that many candles contain harmful chemicals and use packaging that creates unnecessary environmental waste, potentially impacting people’s health as well as ecosystems. Since nothing made me feel more calm and connected than a candle, I chose them as a way to challenge the industry by creating cleaner and more sustainable alternatives.
Could you walk us through the creative process of designing and handcrafting your candles? How do you choose the scents and materials?
Sparkly CA candles are handmade in small batches to ensure quality, safety, and performance. Each candle and wax melt goes through a series of tests before being released. We use premium fragrance and essential oils from trusted suppliers and organic soy wax for a cleaner, more sustainable burn.
All labels and packaging are designed by me, with close attention to detail at every stage. From scent selection to final presentation, each candle is created with intention, care, and respect for customers and the environment.
Sustainability is key to your brand’s ethos – how do you ensure that your products are eco-conscious and ethically produced?
Sustainability is at the core of Sparkly CA. We primarily work with UK-based suppliers to ensure transparency and reduce environmental impact. We actively seek partners who are genuinely trying to help the environment, even though finding fully sustainable options can sometimes be challenging. Before working with any supplier, we carry out thorough research, assessing product quality, performance, and environmental commitments.
Our materials are high-quality and organic, with FSC-certified outer packaging and we also use corn-starch–based peanut foam for shipping, which dissolves in water. Our partners hold sustainability certifications. In addition, we offer reusable jars and encourage customers to give each candle a second life.
As a young entrepreneur, what challenges have you encountered while building your business, and how have you tackled them?
Building a business at a young age comes with challenges such as limited financial resources, time constraints, and sometimes not being taken seriously. Balancing studies, work, and entrepreneurship means investing carefully and working extra hours whenever possible, especially during holidays or university breaks.
I’ve overcome these challenges by staying committed, reinvesting consistently, and building trust through transparency, certifications, and high-quality materials. My family’s support has also been essential, as having people who believe in you and are willing to help makes a big difference.
Your story highlights hope, resilience, and personal growth – what advice would you give to young individuals looking to start their own businesses?
Starting a business can feel overwhelming, and there will be moments when you doubt yourself. But the day you see an idea that once lived only in your mind become real is a feeling that words can’t describe. Stay consistent, even when progress feels slow. Create with intention, with purpose, and from the heart. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and protect your energy. Listen to feedback, learn from mistakes, and let challenges shape you instead of stopping you. Success doesn’t always come immediately, but if you stay determined, passionate, and willing to work, your moment will come.
How has your background and heritage influenced the values and vision of Sparkly CA?
My background and heritage have deeply shaped the values behind Sparkly CA. Growing up in a low paced environment, I was surrounded by a culture that values presence, connection, and enjoying simple moments. Time was shared intentionally with family, friends, and everyday rituals, which taught me the importance of slowing down and being present.
Moving away from that environment made me realize how easily those values can be lost in fast-paced lifestyles. Sparkly CA was created as a way to reconnect with that sense of balance, mindfulness, and intention, while also respecting the planet. My heritage inspires the brand to prioritize conscious living, emotional well-being, and meaningful choices.
What’s your vision for the future of Sparkly CA, and how would you like to see the brand evolve in the coming years?
My vision for Sparkly CA is to continue growing while constantly improving and making more conscious choices to enhance our customers’ experience. I want Sparkly CA to evolve beyond being just a brand and become a movement, a lifestyle that encourages mindfulness, intention, and sustainability in everyday life. In the coming years, I hope to expand our offerings while staying true to our values, inspiring people to slow down, live more consciously, and make choices that are better for everyone wherever they are.
