Meet the Sacred Rebel Behind the Rebellion
Where Sacred Smoke Ignited Beautiful Rebellion
My name is Maricela Duarte, and I am the black sheep of my family. The rebellious tattooed daughter of immigrants. I am the founder and perfumer of MD Traditional, where sacred rebellion takes liquid form. My journey into aromatic artistry began in the sacred spaces where two profound traditions converged and sparked something beautifully unconventional.
From my earliest memories, I was captivated by the transformative power of sacred smoke that would later inspire my rebellious path: the mystical copal rising from ancestral ceremonies and the reverent frankincense that filled cathedral halls where all souls both tattooed & traditional, glitter dusted and conservative, found sanctuary together.
As a young girl accompanying my mother to tend our parish church, I absorbed a symphony of sacred scents that defied categorization: blessed incense mingling with fresh altar flowers, the warm glow of prayer candles, and even the earthy polish on weathered wooden pews that had held generations of beautiful rebels.
These weren't merely childhood experiences; they were the foundation of my artistic awakening and the seeds of beautiful rebellion against ordinary perfumery.
The Journey Between Sacred Worlds
Like many first-generation Mexican Americans, my path included seasons of questioning and exploration. The beautiful rebellion of honoring heritage while refusing to be confined by anyone's expectations. I moved between the ancient and modern, the traditional and contemporary, married my husband yet broke tradition by having our children before saying "I do." Because love writes its own rules.
Even during periods of spiritual wandering, the familiar aromatics of sacred spaces and my mother's healing herbs remained a constant thread connecting me to something greater. This navigation between worlds, honoring ancestral wisdom while embracing contemporary expression, celebrating Mexican heritage alongside supporting my rainbow community, finding God in traditional marriage and rebellious choices alike, became the cornerstone of my artistic philosophy.
I discovered that the most profound beauty emerges when we allow different traditions to inform and elevate each other without apology, when we see my glitter dusted community as beautiful works of God's art, when we pray in Spanish & rebel in English.
The Birth of Sacred Rebellion in Liquid Form
Inspired by this cultural and spiritual synthesis, I began creating aromatic compositions that honor the sacred while serving the beautifully unconventional soul. Each fragrance, oil, and incense blend carry the essence of ancient practices transformed through contemporary artistry and rebellious innovation.
My work draws from:
Traditional herbalism passed down through generations of healers
Sacred ritual practices that welcome tattooed saints and traditional worshippers alike
Contemporary perfumery techniques using the finest global ingredients with revolutionary intention
Intentional creation processes that honor both Mexican heritage and rainbow community.
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Our Sacred Rebellion Philosophy
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I believe aromatics can serve as bridges connecting the sons and daughter of immigrants to their own beautiful glitter dusted community, linking ancient copal ceremonies to modern rainbow celebrations, bridging the gap between traditional marriage and rebellious spirit.
Each creation emerges from:
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Sacred Rebellion
Every blend crafted to honor tradition while celebrating beautiful nonconformity
Cultural Pride
Respectful celebration of Mexican heritage but in my present generational voice.
Modern Excellence Contemporary techniques worthy of both my abuela's altar and my community's pride.
Spiritual Inclusivity Recognition that God's art comes in every beautiful form.
My Sacred Promise to Fellow Rebels
Whether you're the black sheep rebellious tattooed son or daughter who prays in your mother's tongue, part of my glitter-dusted community who sees the world through rose-colored glasses, a traditional spouse who broke tradition for love, or simply someone seeking exceptional artisanal perfumes that celebrate the untraditional, eclectic, artistic, passionate art in all forms, rather than conform, I create for you.
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I AM M.D. Traditional. And I am committed to:
Uncompromising Quality, Premium ingredients worthy of your unique story,
Mindful Rebellion, each blend crafted with intention that honors both tradition and transformation.
Cultural Celebration honoring immigrant heritage while embracing every beautiful identity.
Transformative Experience, Aromatics that elevate both sacred space and rebellious spirit.
Join the Sacred Rebellion.
Explore my collections and discover how ancient wisdom can fuel modern rebellion, how heritage can inform contemporary artistry, and how the right fragrance can become a daily ritual of connection, intention, and beautiful defiance.
Where tradition meets revolution, where heritage informs rebellion, where every scent tells a story of sacred nonconformity.
Para mis hermanas y hermanos rebeldes. For my rainbow family & friends. For all the beautiful works of God's art. YOU.
