Behind the Brand

I'm Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini, the Owner/Founder of CASITA MICHI, a California-based brand that celebrates culture through empowering and nostalgic candles and home fragrances, hand poured with the planet in mind. 

I'm a 1st-Gen Latina born to South American immigrants and raised in San Francisco, CA. My profound connection to my Latin roots and heritage has been a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey and the narrative I hope to share with others. With the lack of representation in the home fragrance space, I set out to create a brand that would inspire my community to practice unapologetic self-care through intentional messaging and culturally empowered wellness.

In the Fall of 2021 CASITA MICHI found that representation by becoming the first Latina-owned candle brand to debut at Macy's, both online and in-stores across the U.S. I deeply believe in the transformative power of belonging through purposeful and intentional representation.

I aim to continue taking up space and breaking down barriers, with the hopes of creating an environment where more Latine founders, like myself, can thrive, shine, and feel a profound sense of belonging because I know how validating feeling seen can be!

Meet Our Founder

Behind the Name

Michi is short for Michelita, a loving nickname given to me by my familia when I was just a young girl.

When it was time to choose a name for my small business, a close friend of mine wasn't enthusiastic about the options I had presented. That's when she suggested "I dig deeper" into who Michelle is and the story I want to convey through my brand.

This is when CASITA MICHI was born!

I am Michi, the proud daughter of immigrants, a vocal Latina who values family and culture. I strongly believe in taking up space unapologetically by creating representation for my community.

My brand name lovingly pays homage to my late mother and brother who affectionately called me by that name. Their enduring love and light are infused into every aspect of my brand, keeping their spirit alive.

Brand Values + Mission

Our brand values include representation, sustainability, inclusiveness, and social good. Throughout the year, we donate a portion of our sales to organizations that raise awareness and provide support for social causes affecting the BIPOC community.

Our mission is to empower under-represented and marginalized communities, ensuring they feel seen. We take pride in giving back through community sponsorships and in-kind donations.

Meet the Familia ♡

  • Francisco

    Francisco is our Production Manager and a jack of all trades. His role includes; inventory management, production, packaging, and shipping and receiving.

  • buddy

    Buddy's job is quality control. He sniffs incoming packages for safety, and provides feedback during the testing phase on our pet safe fragrance oils.

  • julian

    Julian's role involves placing warning labels and dust covers on each and every candle we produce. As our biggest cheerleader, he keeps us motivated with love and support.