Maurice “Mo” Neal is the owner and founder of Yani Made It… Handcrafted Candle Company - a Black-owned, family-run business based in the California Bay Area.
Born and raised in Oakland, Mo holds his native city close to his heart. His love for Oakland, a place of creatives, civil rights leaders, and sports legends, is a major source of inspiration for his work.
Mo grew up in East Oakland and attended some of the best public schools in the area, experiences that informed his understanding of community importance. He is dedicated to leaving spaces better than he found them.
Sports also played a significant role in his life. Mo earned a full athletic scholarship as a Linebacker at the University of Utah, participating in the 2009 Sugar Bowl Championship. He later transferred to Weber State, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a minor in Health promotions. The values of commitment, dedication, and teamwork learned there were instrumental in overcoming the challenges of college and life in Utah, reflecting the foundational values he acquired in Oakland.
Mo’s journey into candle-making began as a personal quest. He wanted to create candles that resonated with him, telling stories and embodying the spirit of Oakland. Inspired further by his niece Yani, a significant influence in his life, he founded Yani Made It… Handcrafted Candle Company, is a reflection of what he values most. To Mo, Yani Made It is more than a business; it’s a labor of love that celebrates creativity, culture, and community.
