We recently had the chance to connect with Krystal Lopez and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Krystal, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I felt pure, radiant joy was when I hosted a “drawing strangers” event for my community. It was a heartwarming celebration of creativity, connection, and culture! Sharing this playful experience with others—especially those trying something new—was such a thrill. We explored portrait drawing together, giggling through crooked lines and quirky sketches, all without the pressure of perfection. It felt like a safe space where everyone could be curious and expressive. Watching people light up as they discovered their own artistic spark was unforgettable. I cherished every moment of it, and I’m already dreaming about the next one!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a joyful candle and scent maker at The Space In-Between Co., and I’m loving every minute of this creative journey! I craft vegan artisanal candles, incense, and all-day-use mists designed to elevate both your body and your space. Each product is paired with a curated playlist to match its mood—because scent and sound together create magic.
When I’m not blending fragrances, you’ll find me hosting community events that spark connection and creativity. I especially love bringing people together for candle-making classes in hidden gems around town—spaces that feel as special as the scents we create. Watching folks try something new, laugh together, and leave with their own handmade candle is pure joy.
Lately, I’ve been infusing more of my personal art into my collections and experimenting with new materials. As a candle maker, it’s easy to fall into repetitive patterns, but adding my artwork has reignited my imagination and given me the courage to think outside the mold. It’s been such a fun, freeing process—one that keeps my creative energy flowing and my heart full.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world handed me rules and roles, I was a maker in motion. I didn’t worry about whether it was “good” or “useful”—I just created because it felt like breathing. I was endlessly curious, always experimenting, always dreaming up new ways to express what I couldn’t say out loud. That version of me didn’t need permission to play or create. I was raw, imaginative, and free—and every time I light a candle, sketch a new design, or host a community event, I feel that version of me flicker back to life.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I am going to be completely honest, yes. There was a time I came close to giving up. It was during a stretch when everything felt creatively stagnant—orders were slow, my ideas felt repetitive, and I started questioning whether my work was making any real impact. I was pouring so much of myself into my candles, scents, and events, but the burnout crept in quietly. I remember sitting in my workspace, surrounded by half-finished pieces, wondering if I should just pause it all.
But there are moments that reminded me why I started in the first place—to create experiences that connect people to memory, emotion, and each other. I realized that creativity isn’t always loud or constant— sometimes you have to ride the quiet waves to find your spark again. I believe our patience will always be tested, it’s up to us to see how we can shift our mindset from the outcome we receive in front of us.
Since then, I’ve learned to give myself grace, to experiment without pressure, to allow myself to choose my peace of mind, and to let my art evolve with me. Those near-give-up moments will eventually become turning points. There is so much more left for me to experience as a maker, there is no room to give it up.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
This question is a spicy one, but I am all in for it! As a maker, one of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that creativity should be scalable, fast, and endlessly marketable. There’s this pressure to constantly produce, to chase trends, and to turn every idea into a product that sells—when in reality, the heart of making is slow, intentional, and deeply personal. Another lie is that success is measured by numbers: followers, sales, exposure. But some of the most meaningful work happens quietly, in small batches, in intimate workshops, in moments that never make it to social media. The industry also tends to romanticize burnout as a badge of honor—like if you’re not exhausted, you’re not working hard enough. That mindset drains the joy out of the process. Real creativity needs rest, reflection, and room to evolve. The truth is, being a maker isn’t about mass production—it’s about connection, experimentation, and staying true to your own rhythm. If you cannot fill up your own cup, the rest will eventually catch up to you. Follow your own path and whatever you put out will speak in volumes on its own time.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
I feel like I’m out of my depth when I follow trends instead of trusting my own creative instincts. The moment I start chasing what’s popular rather than what feels authentic, I lose that spark that makes my work feel alive. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise—seeing what others are doing, what’s selling, what’s getting attention—but when I try to mold myself to fit that, I end up disconnected from my own voice. My creativity starts to feel forced, and I notice I’m second-guessing everything instead of flowing naturally. That’s when I know I need to pause, step back, and reconnect with why I started making in the first place. My best work always comes from a place of curiosity and joy, not comparison. Whenever I feel that tension creeping in, I remind myself that trends fade—but authenticity lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thespacein-between.squarespace.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thespacein_betweenco/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@krystalthecreative
Image Credits
Devyn with A Why & Dez Nicole
