My name is Jennifer Barrera Santos, a First-Generation Cuban American, mother, and the heart behind Santos Essence.

What began as a simple mother-daughter date creating a custom candle to take home sparked something unexpected in me. The experience was creative, calming, and deeply personal. I came home inspired and began experimenting with candle-making on my own, first creating pieces as gifts for family and friends. To my surprise, they loved them just as much as I loved making them.

Around that same time, I found myself navigating a major life transition. With both of my children off at college, I was adjusting to a quieter home and trying to rediscover what fulfillment looked like beyond motherhood. Anyone who has poured their heart into raising children understands that even when they’re only 30 minutes away, the shift can feel enormous.

At the same time, I was also dealing with my own health struggles, specifically hormonal imbalances, headaches, inflammation, and becoming increasingly mindful of the products I was bringing into my home and exposing myself to daily. Learning more about endocrine disruptors made me rethink everything, from fragrances to household products. I wanted cleaner choices, not only for my space, but for my own well-being.

That awareness became a driving force behind Santos Essence.

I began intentionally crafting clean-burning soy candles with thoughtfully curated ingredients, focusing on products that feel elevated, personal, and mindful. Every candle is hand-poured in small batches with care because I believe what fills your home should be just as intentional as the people in it.

What started as healing through creativity became something much bigger, a business built on comfort, clean craftsmanship, and connection.

My mission is simple: to create candles that feel like home. Warm, personal, beautifully crafted pieces that bring comfort, calm, and intention into your everyday spaces. Small businesses offer something truly special, heart, authenticity, and a human touch, and I strive to pour that into every single candle.

I hope when you light a Santos Essence candle, you feel exactly that.