Meet Anna Constantino of Anberc Candles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Constantino.

Hi Anna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I was born and grew up in the Philippines, graduated college with a degree in Business Administration, and worked in the banking industry for 10 years until I decided to migrate here to the United States. Ever since I was young, I dreamt of owning my own business but at that time I do not believe it would come true.

My love and obsession with candles dated back years way before the start of Anberc Candles. I love candles as it gives personality and a nice aura to my place. Scents are powerful in evoking memories and good feelings. The flickering flame from the candle as well as the scent it emits gives me some comfort and put me in a relaxed mood.

I started making my own natural soy candles as a hobby to escape from the stress of work and life’s worries. It was during the time when my little daughter started going to school and I was juggling 3 jobs simultaneously. I was so exhausted and so stressed with all the responsibilities. Burning a candle and watching the soft flickering of the flame, plus the powerful, evoking scent it emits, gives me some comfort and puts me in a relaxed mood. But making my own candles gives me healing and inspiration… it became my passion. Inspired by my dear friend, Arlene, who battled cancer for 10 years, and who taught me to follow my passion, I created Anberc Candles in 2018.

Another inspiration for creating Anberc Candles is to make a better alternative to the cheap yet so toxic, (full of carcinogens or cancer-causing agents), traditional paraffin wax candles that we find mostly available in stores. I am deeply concerned about the impact of these toxic candles on our family’s health and environment. I decided to make my own natural and eco-friendly candles.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It was not a smooth road at all. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but I acknowledge they were all part of the learning process. As a candle maker, I did not have formal training nor attended a workshop. I did a lot of googling, reading, watching YouTube videos, experimenting with different fragrance oil and essential oil blends, testing the compatibility of waxes and wicks, and trying different ways to resolve candle-making issues and problems.

In the beginning, I operated Anberc Candles as a side hustle and it was a challenge to divide my time schedule between my candle business, my family (especially my role as a mom to a young and active school child), and my day job. On most days, I would only have 4-5 hours of sleep and sometimes would wake up at 2 or 3 in the morning to start pouring waxes before I drop my daughter at school and start on my day job. It was exhausting at most times, but I am determined to go forward and never give up.

In November 2019, I decided to quit my day job and went on full-time with my candle business, with support from my husband. I had so many plans and was very motivated until a couple of months after that time, the Covid pandemic hits. It was the most challenging time I’ve experienced in the business, as in-person markets and events, in which the majority of my sales came, were shut down. For more than a year, I had to rely only on online sales and social media, which was an absolute struggle for me. It somehow affected my mental and physical health and had doubts if I can still make it. Along the way, I learned to stay positive and enjoy both the unpleasantness and beauty of the journey of a crafter and a business owner.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Anberc Candles specializes in evoking good feelings and promoting positivity. Since it was scientifically proven that the sense of smell is linked to memories and emotions, I conscientiously selected the fragrances that will give rise to those positive feelings and will give any space an exquisite smell. I blended scents that are not overpowering and gentle to those who have allergies and sensitivities, and perfect for self-care routines and activities.

Aside from our regular Fragrance Soy Candle Collection, we also have our Aromatherapy Candle Collection which is scented with pure therapeutic essential oils and infused with herbs, spices, or botanicals. Other home fragrance products we offer are our Reed Diffusers and Wax Melts.

I also make custom-made candles for parties and gift favors for all occasions, corporate gifts, and private labels. I have also collaborated with other makers to offer items that complement our products, and that are aligned with our brand.

In memory of my friend Arlene, who I’ve mentioned was one of the inspirations on building Anberc Candles, I launched the Arlene’s Capriccio Candles last year in April (her 8th Year Death Anniversary). The total packaging and scent of this candle represents more of Arlene’s persona as my tribute to her. This is my small way of paying forward or giving back, as portion of the sales of this candle is being donated to the American Cancer Society in her memory, and to help other cancer patients. There is still more work to do but I hope that the little contribution I give through the ongoing sale of this candle, goes a long way.

As mentioned, we are committed to providing only all-natural, healthy, and eco-friendly products that are safe for everyone’s health and that protect our environment. Anberc Candles are made from 100% pure vegetable soy wax and are vegan-friendly, fragrances that are phthalates free, paraben free, non-toxic, therapeutic essential oils, and natural cotton wicks that are zinc free. It has no additives, no dyes, and no glitters, just pure candle goodness. Our packaging is recyclable, our tins and glass jars are reusable, and our labels are made from recycled kraft paper, giving it a natural, earthy, organic, and rustic look.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very shy and quiet, and my classmates then looked at me as the nerdy type. I grew up in a poor family, but my parents worked so hard and diligently to put me and my brother in a very good private school. They said that good education is the only valuable thing they can give and leave us behind. I guess this is the reason why I took my education seriously. I was also brought up to be responsible and self-reliant, and at a very young age, did a lot of household chores that normal kids of my age wouldn’t do. I don’t easily give up and am very patient. Due to financial limitations, I learned to become very resourceful and prudent. Hardships, challenges, and criticisms make me more motivated to succeed. I love to be with friends, but I equally enjoy being alone by myself.

On the fun side, I believe I was creative growing up. I love to draw and color in my spare time. I enjoyed arts and crafts subject in school. I love to dance but not in front of many people. I became interested in self-defense and have joined a Taekwondo class. I am not much of a sporty person, but I’ve learned to enjoy tenpin bowling sports and have joined leagues and competitions.

I believe all the experiences I had growing up, whether good or bad, helped me shape the person I am today – strong-willed, motivated, and hardworking.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anberccandles.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anberccandles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anberccandles/

Image Credits
Lars Bongalon