Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Danyetta Anderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Danyetta , thanks for joining us today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name of our company is “Ikigai Candle Co.” pronounced ee-kee-gahy.

At Ikigai Candle Co., we believe that everyone deserves to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and balance. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “ikigai,” which translates to “reason for being,” we have worked to create a sense of calm in every candle.

Trained as a research scientist and wearing the daily hats of wife and Mom of two, it didn’t take me long to discover the power of aromatherapy to promote a sense of calm at the end of a busy day. As someone who has always embraced health and wellness, I have made it a lifelong mission to eagerly look for ways to slow down, reflect, and fuel my passions.

The concept of Ikigai combined with the gentle flicker of our organically scented candles, was the perfect pairing for our brand. And by partnering with us, we hope to offer our customers an invitation to create a sense of ambiance, reflection, and focused intention that will ignite a spark to finding ones own Ikigai.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a PhD trained research scientist. During the day I work as a biomedical and health equity program officer. Part of my work is funding as well as monitoring funded research projects in cancer research as well as in maternal and fetal health that will promote equitable access to quality biomedical health outcomes. What sets me apart from others is that I have not only dedicated my educational and professional pursuits to contributing scientific outcomes to promote health equity, but I strive to reflect that same passion in my personal pursuits as well.
As a creative at heart, I am proud that I have worked to create a brand that not only reflects my values, but also offers to anyone who partners with us an opportunity to be invited to a moment of calm and an invitation to find their true purpose.

www.ikigaicandle.co

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

My first business was an ethnic children’s hair bow and bowtie company. I loved the creation component, but quickly realized how much I hated sales. In this new business venture, I have welcomed the assistance from those more talented in the sales space than myself.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I pour my own candles as well as foil the labels and print any additional signage for my candles. I also print the shipping labels from home. I found a wonderful vendor in California that sells candle supplies that I have purchased from since starting this business. No, I did not know how to make candles, but my first job in college, as a science major, was in the Chemistry stockroom so I was no stranger to mixing reagents.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lightyour_ikigai

Image Credits

All of the image credits belong solely to me.