Today we’d like to introduce you to Che Antonio.
Hi Che, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
One of my passions is music. When I was 18, I signed a big contract with Epic Records and toured the world being in the boy group “Menudo”. This allowed to be travel the world and meet thousands of people from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs. My father is also in the military, and we moved around a lot due to his deployments (Germany, Augusta, Texas, etc.), which also allowed me to meet many cultures and backgrounds.
Originally from Puerto Rico, I was raised in Spiritualism, a practice of natural energies brought from our ancestors from Africa as well as the Taino Indians. I learned about the natural healing powers of herbs and natural woods to cleanse energies and would create cleansing baths and balms for myself, close friends and family members. I have struggled with anxiety and OCD since I was a kid, and the art of aromatherapy has helped me tremendously with calming my anxieties and mental instabilities. One Christmas, my sister gifted me a candle-making workshop at Ponce City Market, and that sparked my interest in applying the connection with cleansing energies and the art of candle making.
My husband told me one day, “hey, why don’t you start selling the candles you’re making, you’ve always wanted to have a business”. What he said made total sense to me, it just felt right! Around that time, we started practicing the art of meditation and mindfulness, and in one of his meditation sessions, they mentioned “Mudita”, which means the pleasure that comes from delighting in other’s well-being. He quickly told me about the name and right then, we knew that it was the perfect name for my new candle company.
The motive and mission behind Mudita Candle Co is to spread love to others and give them pockets of joy that will help them reduce their own anxieties as it has helped me. I believe that a candle is so much more than a good scent, it can truly be something you light with intention that can completely transform your vibe and mood, help reduce anxiety, stress, and create lifelong memories.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has not been smooth. I was scammed, which made my company take a big hit! I did not know this, but this is more common than we think in small businesses. This allowed me to not only educate myself through my own research but to stay focused and persistent, not allowing this downfall bring down everything I had worked for.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am mostly known as Monti Montanez, as that name was given to me when I joined the boy band Menudo back in 2007. I joined through an audition process on MTV and made it! Later I joined another group called “Treo”, and our album got nominated for a Latin Grammy on 2016, which was a huge accomplishment for me as I co-wrote the album.
Currently, I am working on my first solo album. I am also a Recruitment Consultant, helping companies hire the best talent for different departments. Working from home allows me not only to work with my clients, write and record my music, and make candles/ work on Mudita Candle Co, but also manage my time wisely and juggle everything to the best of my ability.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My husband, Carlos, deserves all the credit. He has always been so supportive of my crazy ideas and my creativity. He has stayed up endless nights with me pouring candles and fulfilling large orders.
My sister, Leslie, who is very creative and has helped me create many blends and quirky candle names for Mudita. She’s also an amazing motivator, listener and therapist.
Our customers who choose our candles over the thousands of brands they can choose from. They always write me messages of blend ideas, posting content of their candles and continuously showing their love and support.
My dog Suki, because although she cannot pour candles, she lets me know if the blends smell good by her reaction. She is also the best emotional support BFF ever!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@muditacandleco.com
- Website: www.muditacandleco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muditacandleco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muditacandleco
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/cheantoniomusic
Image Credits
Credit for the picture of myself: Ali Seeya https://www.instagram.com/seeyattle/ and https://www.seeyattle.com
