So, you’ve had a stressful day, and all you want to do is relax. An evening of self-care is in order. You run a hot bath, turn to your favorite music station, pour a glass of wine, and light up one of your favorite scented candles. Sounds nice, right? That’s self-care, and it’s become a popular term these days. With everything that’s going on in our world right now, it’s more important than ever that we look after ourselves.
Candles are a nice addition to any self-care routine. It is scientifically proven that scented candles can play an essential role in the physiological effects of mood, stress, working capacity, and overall mental health. Fragrances such as lavender or chamomile provide a soothing effect, brings calm, and may help you to sleep. Today, I’m introducing you to a few black-owned businesses specializing in candles and other aromatherapy items.
LadyCIMONNE Candle Co.
LadyCIMONNE Candle Co. is owned and operated by Paris Cimonne Northcutt in Columbus, OH. Paris started her candle business after having a baby and was diagnosed with postpartum anxiety. One of the ways to combat postpartum anxiety is by doing relaxing activities. Paris wrote that she already loved candles, so she purchased a candle-making kit just to start a new hobby. After making her first 6 candles, she felt relaxed and happy, something she hadn’t felt in a long time. She wrote that there was a burning desire to use the craft as an outlet to express, uplift, and inspire others, just like it did for her. The rest, as they say, is history. She believes in fragrance’s power in promoting a healthy lifestyle and self-care and aids in taking care of the mind. Her Empowering Collection offers 9 different candle fragrances and wax melts, from classic scents such as vanilla and lavender, floral, fruity, clean, and fresh, to a few masculine scents. All are made from 100% natural coconut-soy wax. This collection boast names such as Visionary, Fearless, and Fighter. For the man in your life, LadyCimonne offers the Gray Sweatpants Collection. The 4 fragrances in this collection are rich amber with undertones of sandalwood and musk. There is also a mini scented bubble candle in her Warrior Mama Collection, which comes in five fragrances. LadyCIMONNE Candle Co. is using candles to reclaim our mental health and empower one another. You can find these products at ladycimonnecandleco.com.
Alyza Candles and More
Alyza Candles and More is owned and operated by Juanita Shell in Charleston, SC. She wrote that she loves candles all around her home, which help relax her and put her in a better mental space. She said she thought about making candles in 2003 when she moved to the Lowcountry to take care of her mom, who had breast cancer at the time. However, she’d just quit her job, took care of her mom, and decided it wasn’t the right time to do that. After her mom passed, she thought about it again but started second-guessing herself, thinking she couldn’t do it, as she had moved into what she calls her “golden years.” One year, she recalls celebrating the 4th of July with some amazing ladies who were single entrepreneurs. She wrote that she became so inspired by these ladies that she decided to take her passion for making candles off the shelf and go for it. She remembered her mom telling her that she’d never been a quitter. Her candle company is in memory of her mother, Catherine, and all the other women battling breast cancer or breast cancer survivors. She writes that one of her clients, who is going through the struggle for the second time, loves burning her candles just to relax, reflect, and know that she is victorious. Juanita says that whether you’re relaxing, meditating, or creating a little ambiance, light up your favorite fragrance and enjoy! Her candles are made of 100% natural soy wax. My absolute favorite fragrance is I Will Survive made with Eucalyptus & Spearmint. Overall, it just puts me in a better mood. I order it all the time. For these products, contact Juanita via email at alyzacandlesnmore@gmail.com or call 854-900-3801.
JC Wicks
JC Wicks is owned and operated by Jamara Cook in Moores Chapel, NC. Their motto is A Scent of Vision, and they offer an assortment of products, from 100% coconut soy blend wax candles and melts to hand and body creams and room, car, and linen sprays. The packaging is adorable, with some catchy names, such as Sweater Weather, described as a comforting scent with a hint of masculine fragrance, Alluring, described as a captivating and sensual fragrance; and Breakfast (for kids), which has the smell of Fruit Loops. They also offer charming custom gift boxes to celebrate that special someone or occasion. For these items, you can go to jcwicks.com.
Happy Kat Candles & Gifts
Happy Kat Candles & Gifts is owned and operated by Kathy Fogle in Charlotte, NC. Happy Kat Candles & Gifts offers handcrafted candles that look and smell good enough to eat! I’ve seen and smelled them, and they really do! If you’re hungry or in the mood for a sweet treat, don’t go into the gift shop inside Northlake Mall in Charlotte, NC. LOL! I had a chance to chat with Kathy, whose background was a hairstylist. She said in 2004, she was looking for something to do to help her relax. She said she’s always loved candles, so she decided to buy a candle-making kit & took it up as a hobby. Now, she’s a full-fledged business owner of a successful candle shop. She said she’s always offered spa-scented candles, but her niche is dessert-scented candles. Her favorite scents are strawberries and cream or peaches and cream. In the spa-scented line, she offers Gardenia Blossom, Spa Day, Me Time, and White Sheets from her product line. She offers what she calls Sip and Pour events for 20 people or more. She said the Sip and Pour events are not necessarily to teach you about candle-making but more about entertainment and just having fun. Happy Kat Candles & Gifts offer an extensive array of items, from soaps and wick trimmers to fragrance warmers, loose-leaf tea tins, clothing, and home décor items. When pre-arranged, she offers custom gift baskets, and the customer can even bring in their own basket. Kathy said she’d also like to offer more handmade gift items for men. When asked about her SwagHer, Kathy described herself as one of the scents in her product line, Gardenia Blossom. She said, “it’s a really nice fragrance. It’s soft and feminine; yet still powerful”. In addition to her flagship store, she sells her products online and wholesale, and some of her products are sold at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture in Charlotte, N.C. If you’re ever in Charlotte, N.C., and shopping at Northlake Mall, stop by Happy Kat Candles & Gifts, or you can order online at happykatcandles.com.
Janet Downs| Janet Downs is an instructor with over 20 years of experience, having worked with Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. She volunteers and is a resource for the homeless community and is working towards starting her own non-profit. She’s passionate about mental health and seeks to bring more awareness to the black community. She is active in church ministry, a writer, and loves music, hiking, and travel.
