A Dozen Cousins presents "The Kitchen Collection"

What hometown are you repping? Chicago, IL What is your heritage? Mexican (first gen) What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you, as a creator? To me, Hispanic Heritage Month/Latine Heritage Month is a time of year to celebrate and reflect on all the contributions that Latinos and Hispanics have made to the story of the United States - and the continued cultural impact we have today. It’s a time to uplift voices, hold space and spotlight all the wonderful things Latinos do for our larger American community that often get overlooked. How did you get your start as a creator? I’ve always been a creative person - I’ve had the pleasure of working in advertising, photography, etc. but I didn’t really let that side of me fully shine until early 2020 when I quit my job to give being a full time creative a go. This was pre pandemic, so the timing was rough, but it gave me the opportunity to develop my own creative voice and style, which admittedly I had not done before because (as a marketer) I had always been working under someone else's voice, style and tone. Dreasdoodles was the first time I was working on something that was 100% my own, and I’m so grateful for the journey that it’s taken me on. What inspired your creative direction on this collaborative piece for A Dozen Cousins? When I thought about the intersection of food and culture across Hispanic/Latino communities the phrase ‘Buen Provecho’ stood out. It roughly translates to ‘Bon Appetite’ but for Spanish speakers it means much more than that it’s a celebration of the food and experience that is being shared with those around you. In Spanish-speaking countries, you’ll hear the words used as soon as the waiter brings the food to the table, said among friends and also exchanged among strangers and I think there's something really beautiful in that. It brings folks together, if only for a moment.

Marcella, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today? Hola! Oh Comadre Candles started as a form of therapy from my nursing job. As a nurse, you see sorrow, pain, illness, and death. Don’t get me wrong, nursing is an exceptional and rewarding career, but the illness goes with the job. I needed to stay mentally healthy… In order to balance my spirit, I made candles that celebrate life through a Latina eyes (mine). So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Oh Comadre Candles, LLC story. Tell us more about the business. Oh Comadre Candles are individually hand poured artisan candles. Each one is made with love in hopes that it brings a smile, evoke emotion, memory, or comfort. Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business? This is a good question. I’ve never asked myself this. Well, I honestly feel grateful and humbled that individuals support my little candle Co. and can not believe it. However, there is a force behind Oh Comadre, and that is my family, Comadres, compadres, and of course endless hours of hard work. Luck is great, but you need to put the work in.