Created by former X-ray tech Kim Jiang in 2021, this Houston-based small-batch candle company has a clear mission: to bring the essence of a happy hour into your home. Jiang made her shift to candlemaking while trying to find peace during the pandemic. The brand’s name is inspired by a Walt Whitman poem with the line “Happiness, not in another place but this place, not for another hour but this hour.” For Jiang, happiness came in the hour after work when she got to relax and take the day in―hence, 6pm Candle was formed. The products are vegan, toxin-free, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free. Signature scents include the enchanting Aphrodite, the grounding Palo Santo & Sage, the intoxicating Speakeasy, and the alluring Midnight Marauder.

Founded by Vanissa Oeun, this soap brand promotes mindful living and eco-consciousness. Oeun graduated from the University of Houston as a premed student with a degree in nutrition. She discovered the importance of what we put in and on our bodies, and decided to use her knowledge to combat some of the skin problems she grew up with. Nissa Crafts makes its 100 percent natural soaps and bath products using the cold process technique, ensuring that every ingredient retains its full benefits. Visit Nissa’s store at Mala Market to breathe in the fun scented soaps, like the eucalyptus, patchouli, and sandalwood “It’s Fall Y’all” or the “Sookie Sookie!” with jasmine and lavender.

After Joy Ekhator gave birth to her children, a series of skincare problems began to swarm her, from eczema to hyperpigmentation, but dermatologist-prescribed products were not working. She decided to use her childhood experiences in Benin City, Nigeria, and knowledge from her ancestors to create Lovinah Supernatural Skincare. Drawing inspiration from ancient African beauty secrets and time-honored botanical remedies that have been used for generations to address skin concerns―but with a touch of modern technological innovation―Ekhator’s products include serums that brighten your skin, exfoliators that can rejuvenate, masks that pamper, cleansers that refresh, toners that balance, moisturizers that hydrate, and more.

Nature’s gifts take center stage in Oils.Earth’s range of essential oils. Founded by Catalina Alexandra, an ordained Daoist priest and native Colombian, this company creates scented rollers, body oils, sprays, diffusers, and more for dealing with daily hurdles. Alexandra traveled around the world solo for two years after quitting her 20-year dance career, and says she found true peace in that time in nature and self-care. She now wants to pass on the lessons she learned in her travels. The “Chill” roller scent encourages serenity, blending woodsy notes with a hint of citrus to calm an overactive mind and melt away daily stress. The “L.O.V.E” body oil is meant to inspire self-worth and confidence with its sweet and herbal aroma. Meanwhile, the oil called “Nourish” aims to help heal and integrate body and soul while addressing deep-seated wounds.