Christy Gonzalez, owner of Mine Not Yours candles, is doing more with her business than producing pleasant scents. They are tools of advocacy for domestic violence survivors. Since October 2022, the 25-year-old has been spreading awareness in the San Antonio area and beyond.
15% of her sales go to domestic violence shelters and organizations across the country. For the month of April, proceeds are going to the Alliance Area Domestic Shelter in Alliance, Ohio.
In addition to selling candles, Gonzalez partners with charities and hosts fitness events that cultivate community. Women and men from across the city attend her yoga classes, nature walks, marathons, and more. She even sells crewnecks that read ‘Love Shouldn’t Hurt.’
Gonzalez hopes Mine Not Yours will continue growing into a space where survivors feel safe and encouraged.
“I really just want it to be a movement where we all come together to create an environment where we support survivors, believe survivors,” Gonzalez said. “And even if you’re not a survivor, where you learn that abuse is real and that this is something going on day to day.”
Jackie García, longtime friend, commends Gonzalez for her strong sense of dedication and resilience.
“Whether it’s making simple posts for her candles or making events,” García said. “She is definitely one of the most hardworking people I know.”
Gonzalez will continue spreading awareness and sharing with victims what’s most important: That they are seen and not alone.
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