Twelve years ago, Dharma and her husband Rodolfo decided they’d had enough of being someone’s employees and living at the mercy of an unpredictable labor market. They longed to be their own bosses. Both of them being artists, they spontaneously signed up for an arts & crafts fair and, with what little they knew about the subject at that moment, produced a collection of scented candles. To their surprise, all of them were sold, and some people even wanted to order more.

Thus, the dice were thrown. Over the years, Dharma perfected her scented candles, which are now available in a wide range of sizes, colors, shapes and aromas. Rodolfo compliments the offer with sophisticated paraffin sculptures: animals, cartoon and religious figures, and even caricatures of people he’s been given photos of. The latter have turned out to be the perfect birthday prank: they look so similar to their model they never fail to make everyone laugh. You can ask Rodolfo to make literally anything you please as a candle – he’ll never let you down!

In addition, Dharma and Rodolfo design mirrors with hand painted frames, fashion jewellery made out of recycled and natural materials, knitted wool scarves and other accessories, ornamental boxes, and incense burners. Every single item is hand made with love and patience.

Many of Dharma’s and Rodolfo’s customers are Costa Ricans who are looking for one-of-a-kind, personalized gifts for their friends and family, or who wish to treat themselves to a unique decorative item for their homes. But, as Dharma proudly tells, their products are also a huge success among tourists from all over the world. “My candles have traveled to more places than I have,” Dharma cheerfully states.

Dharma and Rodolfo are to be found at arts & crafts fairs across the central valley, and you can also visit them at their home and workshop in Guadalupe, which smells deliciously of Ylang Ylang, coconut, Cinnamon and orange. There, you can have a look at all products, go through catalogs with candle designs and pick your favorite pieces, or place an order.

To make an appointment or to ask for information, call Dharma at (+506) 8920-9930.