Meet Kristina Thayer: Creative, Boutique Owner, & Chandler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristina Thayer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I think, even as a child, I always anticipated being my own boss. I certainly didn’t know what I would be doing, but I knew that I wanted to work for myself. I actually think that most of us know that about ourselves early on; always wanting more out of a job or career…wanting out of yourself. Though it took me some time to recognize what I was good at AND, simultaneously, what I enjoyed doing, Candelaria really is a continued evolution of previous business ideas and interests. The day I left the last job I had, I thought “I don’t want to work towards someone else’s vision”. And that was that. 

What should our readers know about your business?
Candelaria is a candle & lifestyle boutique with modern sensibility. The store is a curated selection of artisanal product made by female owned businesses found throughout the United States. 25% of the floor space is devoted specifically to Colorado brands, and another 14% to BIPOC. It’s this curation that sets Candelaria apart from other boutiques and shops, especially those in Denver. I pride myself on sourcing unique products that are hand-crafted with stories that we can share with our customers. Typically, it’s the story of the product that I’m most excited to share; I love speaking to the inspiration behind a beautiful product or even the process of how it’s made. We not only curate a specialized selection of products, but we make our own candles in the store. So customers have the ability to see our studio, smell and watch the process and then purchase our products. I’m not sure I can speak to a level of difficulty when it comes to the creation of Candelaria – it was truly organic. Opening Candelaria made me be aware of and much more open to the gifts of the universe. I started saying yes to things that seemed scary or challenging and it tended to work out. I use selling plants as an example because plants were something I never intended to sell. It was my customers who began to frequently request them, and I simply granted their request. As a result, our branding very quickly turned into ‘plants & candles’. Candelaria is a female-owned and operated shop celebrating simple & artisanal goods for slow living. Since 2017, I’ve worked to incubate a selection of stunning products for the home beginning with our candles. I hope the everyone is able to find some joy and comfort in the products we make and offer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Those unfamiliar with Denver; amazing food, places of interest, and things to do awaits. I’d immediately head to Candelaria’s neighborhood of Highland’s and spend some time popping in and out of shops like Luna & Jasper, Ruby Jane, Wordshop, & Kate Maller Jewelry. Then, a quick little scooter ride or car ride down to Lower Highlands for dinner at Linger and ice cream next door at Little Man Ice Cream. To burn off some of our meal, a 15 minutes walk across the Highland Arch Bridge to take in the city skyline views and a walk to Union Station. We’d head upstairs to the 2nd story for a cocktail at Cooper Lounge and enjoy the downtown views. I’d make sure we had a breakfast at Snooze the next morning before heading off to Denver Botanic Gardens. A trip to RiNo would be in order to spend some time exploring all the murals and street art. No visit to RiNo is complete without a trip to Modern Nomad, RedLine & ReRoot Gardens. Dinner at Julep or Dio Mio, depending on our mood. If it was a Friday, I’d make it point to head to Exdo for adult rolling skating with ROLL or Friday Night Bazaar. Grabbing bagels at Rosenberg’s Bagel & Deli and a stroll through the Art District on Santa Fe with a pit stop at Renegade Brewery. Lunch at Torchy’s and a stroll down Broadway would top my list and finishing a day at Beatrice & Woodsley.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All my success is owed to my husband, customers, and creative circle. My husband first and foremost because he’s always there – through the good and the bad. Additionally, I’m truly part of a wonderful, unofficial group of (mostly) female owned business that all work to straighten each other’s crowns. They inspire me, build me up, and support me in the moments when I need it most. And, my customers are my backbone; I learn so much from them and they are my financiers. I do what I do just for them.

Website: www.candelariacandles.com
Instagram: @candelariacandles