Melissa Gallardo

CEO & Founder, Bonita Fierce Candles

Melissa is the founder of the first Latina-owned candle brand at Nordstrom and has been featured on Good Morning America, Cosmopolitan, Univision, and over thirty national and local publications.

As the CEO and Founder of Bonita Fierce Candles, I craft premium candles that represent the beautiful complexities of our Latinx-American heritage and provide an aroma of familiarity and home with each scent. My mission is to create that feeling of belonging and identity for other Latinas who are on journeys similar to mine, navigating language, culture, and heritage as a brown, non-Spanish speaking Latina.

With a Master of Science degree in Media Management from The New School, I have the skills and knowledge to manage marketing campaigns, content marketing, and post-production for my brand. I have also participated in multiple prestigious programs and accelerators, such as the Ulta Beauty MUSE Accelerator, the Credo For Change Program, and the Ladies Who Launch Program, where I received funding, education, mentorship, and exposure for my business. I am proud to be the first Latina-owned candle brand at Nordstrom, and to have been featured on Good Morning America, Cosmopolitan, Univision, and over thirty national and local publications.