A Conversation with Viviana Alávez, Matriarch of Casa Viviana

Crafting Heritage: A Conversation with Doña Viviana Alávez
The Matriarch of Casa Viviana and Her Timeless Craft

As part of our Dearly Beloved collection, we introduce you to Viviana Alávez, the matriarch of Casa Viviana—a four-generation workshop in Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca, creating ceremonial beeswax candles rich in spiritual meaning. Her work, adorned with symbols of protection and prosperity, reflects themes of love, resilience, and connection that resonate deeply with our new collection.

Katie Kolodinski, Silk Laundry’s founder, shares her experience:

"I went to her house, not knowing what to expect, but the moment I stepped in, everything felt different—warm and familiar, like I belonged. Being with her felt incredibly special, as if time slowed down and the world became quieter. Then, she held my hand. It wasn’t just a simple touch; it was acceptance—her way of saying I mattered. That moment, that connection was something I’ll never forget.” – Katie Kolodinski

In this interview, Viviana shares her journey, the cultural significance of her candles, and the balance between tradition and innovation that defines her craft. Her story offers a deeper look at the inspiration behind Dearly Beloved.

Instagram: @casavivianaoaxaca

SL: Viviana, your candle-making tradition has been passed down for generations in your family. What was it like growing up learning this craft from your grandmother, and how has this heritage shaped your life’s work?
Viv: I learned my designs from watching my grandmother. I did it because I loved seeing her happy—it was her passion and her livelihood.

SL: When Katie and Thao visited you from Silk Laundry, they were captivated by the symbolism in your candles—the way they reflect protection, prosperity, and abundance. How do you personally connect with the spiritual meaning behind the candles you create?
Viv: Through the love with which I create them. That love is what connects me to my candles—it is at the heart of my work.

SL: Your innovation with natural flower molds after the village elders took away your traditional ones is incredibly inspiring. Can you share more about how nature continues to influence your designs, and how you see your candles evolving in the future?
Viv: I am currently working on a new design. My next creation will feature daisy flowers. I want to leave behind something unique—a legacy of innovation within tradition.

SL: Silk Laundry's C1 2025 collection "Dearly Beloved" incorporates spiritual elements and symbols like the heart, eye, and hand, inspired by their visit to Mexico. How do these symbols resonate with the Mexican culture of protection and blessing, especially in your candle-making tradition?
Viv: The heart symbolizes love for another person. The hands on the candles, positioned low as though carrying something, represent an offering.

SL: Your work is a perfect blend of honoring tradition and embracing change, much like Silk Laundry’s upcoming collection, which draws from both historical and contemporary elements. How do you balance maintaining the legacy of your ancestors while also pushing the boundaries of creativity in your craft?
Viv: Traditional candles were smaller, but in 1985 I introduced larger candles, which hadn’t existed before. I transformed the old styles into something new, evolving the craft while honoring its origins.

SL: The process of making your candles involves family collaboration, with everyone contributing ideas and skills. How important is this sense of teamwork and family unity in keeping the tradition alive, and what role do you see the next generation playing in Casa Viviana?
Viv: It’s about what they want as much as it is about tradition. I aim to improve the style of my candles, and my family brings their creativity and skills, like drawing and design, to make them even better. I didn’t have those opportunities growing up, so I hope they surpass me by creating new models inspired by their own ideas.

SL: Your journey to finding a market for your candles beyond the traditional barter system with the Church was revolutionary, especially for a woman in your community. What motivated you to take that leap, and what advice would you give to other women artisans who want to break from tradition?
Viv: I wanted to show what was possible by creating something unique. My advice to other women artisans is to embrace creativity, innovate, and always add new elements while staying true to the essence of their traditions.

SL: Silk Laundry’s “Dearly Beloved” collection draws on themes of love, loss, and resilience. How do you see these themes reflected in the candles you create, particularly in the stories of the couples who historically used them in their wedding rituals?
Viv: Candles light the path between life and death. Love is the guiding light for couples to have a strong, happy marriage.

SL: In both Silk Laundry’s collection and your work, there is an element of storytelling—whether through fabric or wax. What story do you hope each candle tells to the people who bring them into their homes or use them in ceremonies?
Viv: I hope my candles bring happiness. Happiness is the most important thing for everyone, and through my candles, I aim to share a little of my own joy and love.

SL: Looking ahead, what is your vision for Casa Viviana and the legacy you’re building? How do you hope future generations, like your granddaughter, will continue and perhaps transform the tradition?
Viv: I have always said that my grandchildren carry a part of me. I have built this work for them, and I hope they find as much happiness in it as I have.