Behind the Brand
I'm Michelle Barrionuevo-Mazzini, the Owner/Founder of CASITA MICHI, a wellness brand that celebrates Latiné culture through consciously crafted goods.
I'm a 1st-Gen Latina born to South American immigrants and raised in San Francisco, CA. My profound connection to my Latiné roots and upbringing has been a cornerstone of my entrepreneurial journey and the narrative I hope to share with others.
Recognizing the lack of representation in the home fragrance industry, I set out to develop a brand that would uplift my community by blending purposeful representation and intentional storytelling with sustainable self-care.
In the Fall of 2021 we found that representation by becoming the first Latina-owned candle brand to be distributed at Macy's, both online and in-stores across the U.S. By launching in a mainstream retailer, we are bridging the diversity gap and amplifying visibility and representation for the Latiné community that didn't previously exist.
Meet Our Founder
Brand Values + Mission
Our brand is committed to representation, sustainability, and social impact. Throughout the year, we contribute a portion of our sales to organizations and events that raise awareness and provide support for social causes impacting the BIPOC community. We also take pride in giving back through community sponsorships and charitable in-kind donations.
Our mission is to inspire under-represented and marginalized communities to feel seen through empowered wellness. We believe in cultivating a community that prioritizes representation, cultural awareness, and incorporating sustainable practices in their everyday lives.
Behind the Name
CASITA MICHI was born from a name deeply rooted in love and the echoes of home. “Michi” is the nickname my familia gave me when I was just a little girl - short for Michelita. It’s a name that has followed me through life reminding me that home was never far away.
When I started brainstorming names for my small business, a close friend of mine challenged me to go deeper, to reflect on who I truly am and the story I want to share through my brand.
That moment of reflection led me back to my roots.
I am Michi; a proud daughter of immigrants, a passionate Latina, and someone who holds family, culture, and community close to my heart. My brand is a tribute to my late mother and brother, who always called me Michi with so much cariño. Their warmth, strength, and spirit are woven into everything I create.
Every product is crafted with love, care and intention - from my casita to yours.