Meet Christinea & Vic Ruiz | Founders of 1982 Candle Co.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christinea & Vic Ruiz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christinea & Vic, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
1982 Candle Co. began in the most humble way possible—right in our home kitchen. In 2020, during a time when the world had slowed down, Tinea and I (Vic) were looking for a creative outlet that brought a sense of comfort and connection into our home. We started hand-pouring candles together, experimenting with scents and learning the craft one batch at a time. What began as a simple hobby quickly grew into a passion, and before long, we realized we had created something people genuinely connected with.

Inspired by the beauty and lifestyle of South Orange County, California, we built 1982 Candle Co. around the idea of bringing the warmth, relaxation, and coastal charm of California into people’s homes. Today, what started as two people pouring candles in a kitchen has grown into a team of four plus, but our commitment remains the same. Every candle, room spray or perfume is still hand-poured in small batches using sustainable ingredients such as coconut-soy wax and toxin-free fragrance oils, ensuring each product reflects the quality, care, and intention that have been at the heart of our business from day one.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets 1982 Candle Co. apart is our commitment to creating a truly elevated fragrance experience. Every scent is thoughtfully developed and blended by our team, resulting in exclusive fragrances that can’t be found anywhere else. We draw inspiration from the coastal luxury and relaxed sophistication of Southern California, creating scents that evoke memories, places, and experiences rather than simply following industry trends.

Quality and safety are equally important to us. We carefully select fragrance ingredients that are phthalate-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, and we take the extra step of removing naturally occurring toxins commonly found in certain essential oils. We believe luxury should never come at the expense of quality or peace of mind. Beyond our products, we also offer hands-on candle and perfume-making experiences that allow guests to become part of the creative process and craft something uniquely their own. These experiences have become a meaningful way for us to connect with our community, and as we continue to grow, we’re excited about the opportunity to possibly expand our fragrance experiences into Dana Point market in the near future. We’re manifesting it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If we were creating the perfect South Orange County itinerary for a friend, we’d start in the charming and historic town of San Juan Capistrano. Park at the train station and spend the morning strolling through the walkable, quaint area, including River Street Marketplace, where you’ll find boutique shopping, local artisans, and delicious dining options. While you’re there, a visit to the iconic Mission San Juan Capistrano is a must. Its beautiful gardens, rich history, and timeless architecture make it one of California’s most treasured landmarks.

From there, head south to Dana Point for a little coastal luxury. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and enjoy the resort’s incredible amenities and oceanfront atmosphere. Afterward, explore the newly renovated Dana Point Harbor, where you can take in stunning views, watch for sea lions and other marine life, and experience the laid-back charm that makes our coastal community so special. Before ending the day, stop by 1982 Candle Co. for a custom perfume-making experience, where you can create a signature fragrance inspired by your visit to Southern California. These are just a few of the many incredible experiences our area has to offer—and if you’re looking to add a little extra magic to your trip, Disneyland is only about 25 minutes away.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
As we continue to grow, we are incredibly grateful for the communities that have embraced and supported us from the very beginning. To our neighbors in Ladera Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, Dana Point, Rancho Santa Margarita, Mission Viejo, and the surrounding South Orange County communities—thank you. Your encouragement, loyalty, and belief in our vision have helped transform us into a thriving local business.

Every purchase, every kind word, every social media share, and every recommendation to a friend has played a role in our journey. We are honored to be part of this community and proud to create products inspired by the coastal lifestyle we all love. Your support allows us to continue doing what we are passionate about, and for that, we are deeply thankful. We look forward to serving our community for many years to come and continuing to create products that bring warmth, comfort, and a little piece of Southern California into homes near and far.

Website: https://www.1982candleco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1982candleco

Other: https://solo.to/1982candleco