Some souvenirs get tossed in a drawer and forgotten. But handmade souvenirs in St. Thomas tell a different story, one infused with island scents, local craftsmanship, and a deep personal connection. They will instantly transports you back to the islands long after your tan fades. Well, that’s exactly what LaVela offers: handcrafted candles, perfumes, and diffusers, all made right here in St. Thomas by a woman who poured her passion (and maybe a few life lessons) into every single one.

Unlike most gift shop finds, handmade souvenirs in St. Thomas like LaVela’s candles and perfumes bring home a real piece of the island. Every product is an authentic Caribbean candle or perfume, crafted with care and inspired by the island itself. If you’re searching for locally made gifts in St. Thomas, this is where you’ll find something truly special.

This is LaVela. And this is the woman behind it. 

Meet the Maker: A Local Entrepreneur with a Nose for Memories 

Born and raised in St. Thomas, LaVela’s founder has always believed that scents are tied to memories. Whether it’s the salty air on a breezy afternoon, the sweet floral notes of blooming hibiscus, or the warm, inviting aroma of home, every fragrance tells a story. And now, she’s bottling those stories, one handmade souvenirs in St. Thomas at a time. 

But LaVela wasn’t always the thriving business it is today. It started as a side hobby in 2022, when a Facebook ad for hyper-realistic candles caught her attention. Inspired, she set out to create a Virgin Islands version of them. The result? A disaster. (Her words, not ours!) 

Instead of giving up, she pivoted. She reworked, refined, and eventually found her niche, creating scents that evoke emotions, places, and moments worth remembering. By January 2023, La Vela became her full-time business. 

And as for her favorite part of being an entrepreneur? “I have achieved one of my childhood dreams, and that comforts the little girl inside of me.” 

Why LaVela Stands Out for Handmade Souvenirs in St. Thomas

If you’ve ever browsed Vendor’s Plaza, you know the deal—most of the merchandise is imported, mass-produced, and far from authentic. That’s what makes LaVela so different, with her offerings of handmade souvenirs in St. Thomas.

• Locally Made, Start to Finish – Every single item is handmade right here in St. Thomas, ensuring true island craftsmanship. 
• Long-Lasting Fragrances – Customers rave about how LaVela’s scents last for over a year—making them more than just a purchase, but an experience. 
• A Personal Touch – Each fragrance has meaning, like the Puerto Rico scent, a tribute to her boyfriend Duane and his unwavering support. 
• Online Ordering & Shipping – Fall in love with a scent? No worries—you can reorder online at lavelausvi.com and have it shipped anywhere in the U.S. 

The Signature Scents of LaVela 

LaVela’s fragrances aren’t just random blends—they’re inspired by the islands themselves.

• St. Thomas Hibiscus – A fresh, breezy scent reminiscent of sun-warmed sands and salty air. 
• St. John Mango Papaya – A lush, tropical fragrance with notes of green foliage and exotic florals. 
• St. Croix Passion Fruit – Warm, spicy, and rich—just like the culture of the island.
• Water Island Teakwood – Light, crisp, and refreshing, evoking the feeling of wading into clear blue waters. 
• Puerto Rico Moon Flower – A scent rooted in love and legacy, dedicated to the one who always believed in her. 
• Tortola Cassie – Earthy, grounding, and soothing, like the rolling hills and hidden coves of the British Virgin Islands. 

These fragrances aren’t just for candles, either, they come in air fresheners, reed diffusers, wax melts, incense, body sprays, body oils, perfumes, car diffusers, and more. 

(Translation? If you want your entire life to smell like a Caribbean escape, she’s got you covered.) 

The Challenges & Triumphs of a Local Business Owner 

Running a business isn’t all pretty packaging and lovely scents. LaVela’s biggest challenge? Location. Vendor’s Plaza sees thousands of cruise ship visitors, but most of them aren’t there to spend money on high-quality, handcrafted goods. Some days, she sees hundreds of tourists pass by and doesn’t make a single sale. 

“I would have opened in a different location if I could’ve afforded commercial rent,” she admits. But she’s not giving up. She’s working on ways to grow, expand, and pivot her business model—a true testament to her determination. 

And while tough days are inevitable, there are always the right customers at the right time. 

“It’s the fellow business owners who encourage me that leave the biggest impact. They get how hard this is, and they always seem to show up when I need it most.” 

What’s Next for LaVela? 

Growth—but on her terms. 

After learning some hard lessons about scaling too quickly, she’s focusing on financial sustainability before making big moves. Expect new products, smart expansions, and more ways to bring the Caribbean into people’s homes. 

She also hopes to give back to the community more once business steadies once the economy heals itself so she can continue to offer some of the best handmade souvenirs in St. Thomas.

How to Shop LaVela 

Want a souvenir that actually means something—one that isn’t mass-produced and made thousands of miles away? LaVela has you covered. You can take home the best handmade souvenirs in St. Thomas when you shop with LaVela.

Because at the end of the day, LaVela isn’t just about candles and perfumes. It’s about memories—the ones you take home and the ones you’ll always want to come back to.

💻 Shop online: lavelausvi.com (ships anywhere in the U.S.) 
📍 Find her at: Vendor’s Plaza, St. Thomas 
🚗 Local Perks: Curbside pickup & hand delivery available 

Whether you’re browsing for handmade souvenirs in St. Thomas or seeking authentic Caribbean candles and perfumes, LaVela is more than just a shop: it’s an experience worth bringing home. And if you don’t know which scent to start with, just ask. Chances are, she has the perfect one for you.

Want to read the stories behind more amazing local business? Click here!