What we love so much about working with local makers is how crazy different everyone’s story is of how their handcrafted business came to be! Today you get to meet Mara of Medievo Candles here in Fargo—who is from Brazil, is a scientist, and is growing a beautiful candle business!

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My name is Mara Hirchert and I am from Brazil. I have lived as a permanent resident in West Fargo since March of 2017. I came to Fargo first in 2014 and stayed for one year due to a career opportunity. I went to NDSU as a visiting researcher where I worked on my science project. I am a scientist and I currently work at NDSU as a research specialist. In 2017, I came to Fargo to marry my American husband, Nick, and now we have our son Victor (2-years-old) and we have a rescued dog named Floid.

What type of products do you make?

I make scented candles and other fragrances. My candles are made with all-natural and sustainable coconut wax (no paraffin added) and premium fragrance oils. Our candle aromas are inspired by our memories and they are unique and exclusive. Every aroma has a story behind it.

Tell us how you got started with candle-making?

I first started candle-making in 2020 when my great friend Graciela (and now business partner) taught me about it and about her business Medievo. Then I started learning about it and I loved it. I was always obsessed with making my home smell good, so a scented candle is something that brings pleasure and comfort to my home.

Tell us about your business name?

Medievo comes from the Medieval era. And it was inspired by a tea store located in Granada, Spain, where my business partner Graciela lived and fell in love with that store. So, she decided to name her business Medievo.

What is your personal favorite scent you have created?

To be honest, I love all my aromas and it is hard to pick one. Each aroma is so unique and complex. But if I have to pick I would say that The Brazil Collection is my favorite because it was inspired by my home country, so it has a special place in my heart.

Your business partner is in Brazil—can you tell us a bit about how this works?

Medievo was first created in Brazil in 2019 by my great friend Graciela. In 2021, after my friend taught me how to make candles and the values of Medievo (which I fell in love with), she invited me to start Medievo in the USA. And I did not think twice and I said yes. Our partnership is more intellectual. Together we create and develop everything for Medievo. I do not import candles here, I make all of them at my home studio. But all the creation of the aromas, names, packaging and the list goes on, Graciela and I do together.

What is something you’ve enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business?

What is the most challenging thing?

A candle business is not only candle making, I need to think about inventory, marketing, taxes, social media and more. Marketing and social media are the most challenging for me. But I am learning a lot and finding some fun in it.

What is a word that best describes you?

Persistent. I do not like to quit easily. I can sometimes slow down to give myself some time, but I am for sure a very persistent person. And being like that I find the motivation to study, work harder and always improve things around me.

What advice would you have given yourself 10 years ago?

I would tell myself to be more patient and to be more resilient. Nowadays, comparing myself to 10 years ago, I am learning those lessons a little bit at a time. And candlemaking requires a lot of patience and resilience.