About

WHO WE ARE:

Yo Soy Candle is a handmade, eco-conscious, affirmation candle company based in Portland, Oregon, owned and operated by Emily Hayes. We have a working studio/retail/workshop space located at 724 NE 22nd Ave in Portland, OR.

INGREDIENTS:

Our candles are hand poured in small batches using 100% certified soy wax (contains no herbicides, pesticides or genetically modified materials), 100% cotton wick, essential oil and non-toxic botanical fragrance blends. Our products provide a long, clean, eco-friendly burn that smells like you are in the presence of real plants. All materials are produced and grown in the U.S and sourced through small businesses.

WHAT MAKES YO SOY UNIQUE:

Each beautiful scent is paired with it’s very own “I AM” statement to inspire a positive mindset + empower healing and transformation by practicing the self loving ritual of I AM. Our scents offer a clean, calming and invigorating experience that won't make you feel dizzy or overwhelmed with scent.

CREATE AN "I AM" RITUAL:

While you are experiencing the ambiance and aroma of your candle, allow yourself some time to focus on your I AM – breathing in and breathing out. Repeat throughout the day when you need a reminder. We invite you to use your I AM to reflect and create a daily ritual that will empower your thoughts and actions.

EMILY'S STORY (Yo Soy Candle, Owner):

In 2019, I was introduced to Yo Soy Candle, after I was gifted the I AM GRATEFUL candle for my birthday. I immediately felt a strong connection to the product and the founder's story. I reached out to Leslie shortly after, and we quickly learned that we had many shared values and passions, and soon became chosen family.

After a 23-year career in Clinical Genetics, I made a brave decision to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I have a deep reverence for entrepreneurship, the story behind a craft, and the courage it takes to live your dream.

Fast forward to 2023, and the opportunity to own Yo Soy Candle presented itself. I took the bold step to leave my career and said YES. Yes, to owning my truth and following what my soul was calling for.

In January 2024, I became the owner of Yo Soy Candle. During this important transition, another life-long dream presented itself. I'm thrilled to share I completed my 300-hour foundational yoga teacher training in June 2024!

Creating, community, collaboration, and connection are top values of mine and I AM GRATEFUL that I said YES to this life.

LESLIE'S STORY (Founder of Yo Soy Candle and The Candle Creation Bar):

In 2010, Leslie decided to quit her full-time job as an esthetician and immediately left for Costa Rica to study to be a yoga instructor in the jungle. After she returned from this life-altering experience Leslie was looking for a meaningful way to show the clients (who followed her to her home-based esthetics studio) gratitude for supporting her through some BIG life changes. She decided to explore candle making, and lets just say the gifts were very well received!

THE INSPIRATION:

“Yo Soy,” a Spanish phrase meaning I AM are two empowering words that create your reality. Along Leslie’s journey as a yoga student and teacher, she realized the power and importance of setting an intention at the beginning of each day. Adding affirmations to the candles was just a natural extension of Leslie’s personality and life. We all get to choose our attitudes and perception of life every day, and affirmations can be that helpful tool to steer us in a healing and intentional direction.

Emily Hayes (Yo Soy Candle, Owner)
Photo by Karen Pride

Leslie Moore (Yo Soy Candle, Founder)