The story of Velas Hispaniola begins with Mr. Jony Farah and his wife, Arielle Boulos Farah, who initially ran a paraffin distributor in Haiti. Inspired by the need to offer a solution to communities without access to electricity, the family decided to establish an emergency candle factory. However, Arielle’s father, Mr. Errol Boulos, a visionary entrepreneur, saw an opportunity for a more significant impact and suggested the creation of a factory with an expansive and sustainable focus.
The project took shape in 2003, when the family decided to locate the factory in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, due to operational complexities in Haiti.
Errol Boulos’ son, Errol Jr., a mechanical engineer trained at Florida International University and a PhD student in space engineering, joined the project and contributed his technical knowledge. Together, they built a company that is today positioned as a leader in the candle industry.
A Legacy of Growth and Expansion
Velas Hispaniola started with a small team of 12 employees and, thanks to the dedication of the family and their team, has grown to employ more than 1,200 people.
The second generation of the Boulos family drove the strategic growth, while the third generation, which recently joined the business, is committed to maintaining the legacy and continuing to innovate.
The company’s name is a tribute to the island of Hispaniola, shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It reflects the cultural and family roots of its founders. It symbolizes the family’s gratitude to the Dominican Republic, a country that provided them with the necessary conditions to prosper and expand their business.
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Velas Hispaniola’s Strategic Location
With its headquarters in Guerra, in the province of Santo Domingo, Velas Hispaniola operates a 350,000-square-foot plant within a 140-acre free trade zone.
Located just 14 km from downtown Santo Domingo, its strategic location near Las Américas International Airport and the ports of Haina and Caucedo allows for efficient logistics, reducing costs and export times to international markets. It combines quality, speed, and competitiveness, positioning itself as a key ally in global trade.
They also have a distribution base in Weston, Florida, for products to key U.S. markets, sales representation in Miami, FL, and offices in Charleston, SC.
Diversity in Products and Markets
Velas Hispaniola manufactures a wide variety of products, from scented and religious candles to air fresheners and diffusers. Main markets include:
- Religious candles
- Scented candles
- Outdoor candles
- Utility candles
- Aromatic products: diffusers, melt wax, room sprays, etc.
Commitment to Sustainability
The family has integrated responsible practices, such as using soy and palm waxes from sustainable sources, recycled materials, and energy cogeneration systems.
These initiatives minimize environmental impact and position Velas Hispaniola as a benchmark in ethical production.
An Innovation-Driven Future
Since its foundation, Velas Hispaniola has overcome challenges, reaching milestones such as 45% growth in 2021. Its vision for expansion includes strengthening its presence in international markets and responding to the growing demand for sustainable solutions. Velas Hispaniola: a family legacy that illuminates the path to the future.