Meet Karla Wenger | Small Business Owner & Photographer

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

Hi Karla, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
In December 2019, my husband and I went to Guatemala. We visited some villages around and we noticed that many of the kids where shoeless and have no toys. Their skin was very damaged due to the weather. (It was winter). Many kids had to work to help their parents meet their means. After that trip to Guatemala, my husband and I wanted to to do something to help kids in those villages. We were very moved by what we saw and we realized that in the United States there’s a lot of abundance that sometimes it becomes waste. We brained storm on what to do. We didn’t wanted to ask for money. We wanted to create a business and with big part of the proceeds help these villages. This is when we realized we have the product for our business but we needed to perfect it. I’m a family photographer. I used to make candles and gift them to my clients as a thank you. I thought It was a nice touch for families.
Since my husband and I have medical background, it was important to us to create safe candles free of chemicals. We worked hard until we created the perfect candle. So now, we deliver safe and clean candles and also help kids in Guatemala in different villages.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I was on my way on nursing school. I have an Associate Degree in Natural Science, I have also a Dysrhythmia certification as well as Medical Assistant certification .I worked in the medial field for 8 years assisting doctors, nurses, and educating people. The medial field help me to understand about the chemicals that candles have. My passion to help others have lead me where I am. I never thought that my medical background would help me for what I do today. That is creating a candle that is non toxic and at the same time help people in need in Guatemala.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We live in the Central Coast of California. There is a lot to do here. I’d take her to Hearst Castle and take a tour. We would take them wine tasting. watch the sunset at the top of the sand dunes. I’d take my friend to take a drive by the beach, like actually driving on the beach. We’d go have dinner at the Madonna Inn, we’ll go apple picking at San Luis Creek Farms, Also, we’ll visit the Mission in San Luis Obispo and stroll around the downtown.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Chynna Hansen from Little Mama Shirt Shop who had inspired me and provided mentorship throughout business classes as well as Jasmine Star a social media guru for all the training and support.

Website: www.themayancollective.com

Instagram: themayancollective

Facebook: themayancollective

Image Credits
Karla Wenger Photography and Felicia Connolly Photography