The Ajello Dynasty

Five generations of excellence, from Italy to America.

1

The Founders

1775 • Sorrento, Italy

2

Rafael Ajello

1862 • Immigration

3

Antonino Ajello Sr.

1885 • New York

Founder of the American Business

4

Virginia Ajello Reardon

1935 • California

West Coast Expansion

5

Ginger della Santina

1979 • Present

House of Candles, Culver City

Virginia Ajello Reardon

Matriarchs of Light

The survival of the Ajello legacy in the modern era is largely due to the formidable women of the family. Virginia Ajello Reardon, trained by her father Antonino Sr., had the foresight to expand to California during the Great Depression.

Her daughter, Ginger della Santina, joined the business in 1963. Mentored by her mother for over 30 years, Ginger bridged the gap between old-world craftsmanship and modern business practices.