We recently connected with Val Souza and have shared our conversation below.

Val, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for Feels Familiar was born during a moment of immense uncertainty and anxiety, much like what many of us experienced in 2020 during the lockdown. As the world seemed to slow down, I found solace in the simple act of lighting a candle. Each time I struck that match and watched the flame dance, something magical happened – I felt an instant connection with myself and the present moment.

Candles became more than just objects; they became vehicles for intention-setting and emotional well-being. Whether I needed to find energy to face the day, take a moment to reset, or simply bask in gratitude, those flickering flames held the power to transform my emotions and lift my spirits.

Month after month, as the vessels holding my favorite candles emptied, I couldn’t ignore the calling to share this experience with others. Feels Familiar emerged as a way to extend this love for candles and fragrances beyond myself and into the lives of those around me. The name ‘Feels Familiar’ reflects the core foundation of our brand – the acknowledgment of feelings and emotions we all experience as part of the human journey. “Feels” signifies the profound connection we have with our emotions, and “Familiar” evokes the comforting sense of recognition and understanding that comes with embracing our feelings.

For me, Feels Familiar is not just about selling candles; it’s about igniting conversations and breaking stigmas around mental health and self-care. I realized that by openly sharing my love for candles and intention-setting, I could inspire others to explore their emotions and find grounding in their own self-care practices. Through vulnerability and authenticity, Feels Familiar aims to create a community where one person’s understanding can inspire and uplift others, fostering a ripple effect of well-being and compassion in all directions.

In essence, Feels Familiar is more than just a brand; it’s a passion-driven mission to empower individuals to embrace their feelings, nurture their well-being, and discover the profound comfort that comes from acknowledging and caring for oneself. With each candle we craft, we hope to spark not only the joy of beautiful scents but also the transformative power of self-awareness and connection with the present moment. Welcome to Feels Familiar, where the journey of intentional living and self-discovery begins with the simple act of lighting a candle.

Val, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am Val Souza, the passionate founder of Feels Familiar, originally from Brazil and now thriving in the vibrant city of New York. My journey into the world of intentional living and self-care was sparked by an inner craving to explore myself on a deeper level and become the best version of myself for those around me. As I immersed myself in social media, I witnessed the profound impact of people coming together for a higher purpose, and this inspired me to start creating content, sharing my own self-discovery journey, and the practices that propelled me towards self-actualization.

Among these practices, I discovered a profound love for fragrances, especially the therapeutic act of lighting a candle. This simple ritual became the cornerstone of my self-care practices, infusing my surroundings with intention and mindfulness. Guided by my values of authenticity and personal growth, I realized that I wanted to craft more than just a product – I yearned to create an experience that transcended the ordinary, a transformative journey of self-discovery interwoven with the fabric of our humanity.

The seeds of Feels Familiar were sown amidst the challenges and uncertainties of 2020, when the world grappled with a global lockdown. During these moments of anxiety and doubt, the power of intentional living through candlelight became an anchor of solace and connection to the present moment.

With a mission to empower the youth to embrace their authenticity and boost their well-being, I stepped into the role of a dynamic wellness entrepreneur and content creator. Through practical tips and engaging narratives, I aimed to make well-being exciting and accessible for everyone.

At Feels Familiar, we go beyond the realm of products; we craft intentional experiences that resonate deeply with our community. Central to our offerings are scented candles, meticulously designed to evoke emotions and set the stage for mindful moments. Each candle is infused with purposeful intention and a touch of vulnerability, reflecting our brand ethos of authenticity and openness.

While candles may be the heart of Feels Familiar, our purpose extends far beyond. We are committed to addressing the challenges of disconnection and stress that plague fast-paced lives. Our products and content spark meaningful conversations around mental health, self-awareness, and the life-altering potential of intentional living. With every flicker of a candle, we encourage slowing down, embracing the full spectrum of emotions, and finding comfort in our shared human nature.

What sets Feels Familiar apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity, vulnerability, and accountability. We face life’s complexities head-on, viewing them as catalysts for growth and self-compassion. This ethos threads through every aspect of our brand, ensuring that every interaction with Feels Familiar embodies honesty, openness, and responsibility.

As a founder, one of the aspects I am most proud of is the resilient community we have cultivated. Feels Familiar is not merely a brand; it’s a space where kindred spirits unite to share their journeys, support one another, and forge meaningful connections. Witnessing how our candles have touched lives, becoming cherished companions in self-care rituals amidst life’s tumult, fills me with immense gratitude.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I extend an invitation to embark on a transformative journey with Feels Familiar. Beyond purchasing a product, you will immerse yourself in a profound experience that unites the essence of our shared experiences with intentional living. Here, we dismantle stigmas around mental health, inspire authentic living, and empower each individual to unleash their full potential.

With Feels Familiar, you’ll discover the magic of intentional living – a familiar comfort that embraces you as you embrace yourself. Welcome to a sanctuary where our wellness products illuminate not only spaces but also souls, and where you’re invited to unlock the true power of yourself. Step into the realm of Feels Familiar, and let the journey of self-discovery and mindfulness begin.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Building our audience on social media has been an incredible journey filled with dedication, authenticity, and connection. When I started Feels Familiar, I knew that social media would be the key to reach and engage with our target audience effectively. Here’s the story of how we built our social media presence and some advice for those just starting:

– Authenticity and Storytelling: From the outset, I made it a priority to share my personal self-discovery journey and experiences openly and honestly. By being vulnerable and genuine, I connected with our audience on a deeper level. Storytelling allowed us to humanize our brand, making it relatable and accessible. Through our content, we aim to inspire, educate, and uplift our followers.

– Consistency and Quality: Consistency is paramount in building a social media presence. We committed to posting regularly and maintaining a consistent tone and visual style. High-quality content, including visually appealing images and engaging captions, has been instrumental in capturing our audience’s attention and keeping them coming back for more.

– Engaging with the Community: Social media is not a one-way street; it’s a two-way conversation. We actively engage with our followers, respond to comments, and initiate conversations around topics that resonate with our community. By fostering a sense of belonging and genuine connection, we create a loyal and supportive audience.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My journey as an entrepreneur has been a testament to resilience and unwavering determination. Taking the leap into this entrepreneurial adventure was the riskiest and most resilient decision I have ever made. Fuelled by an unwavering passion for Feels Familiar’s mission, I embarked on a journey to transform my vision into a thriving and successful company.

My relentless pursuit of success led me to immerse myself in learning every dimension of how businesses operate. From delving into the intricacies of the fragrance and cosmetic industry to mastering the art of branding and beyond, I sought knowledge from various industries to strengthen my entrepreneurial acumen.

Passion alone would not suffice; I knew that faith in my abilities and unwavering self-belief were critical. I bet on myself and the profound impact I aspired to make through Feels Familiar. The journey of an entrepreneur demands unyielding resolve and a refusal to accept defeat. No matter the challenges that lay ahead, I was determined to persevere, refusing to settle for anything less than achieving my dreams.

My personal story of resilience mirrors the challenges faced by many entrepreneurs. As I navigated my way from Brazil to the United States, I confronted numerous hurdles, including language barriers and adversity. Yet, in the face of these obstacles, I never allowed myself to be deterred. Instead, I saw each challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning. I bet on myself to rise above the adversities and make my dreams come true.

Resilience is the driving force that propels us forward, both in personal and entrepreneurial endeavors. The path of an entrepreneur is filled with uncertainties and obstacles. It is the ability to persevere, remain steadfast in one’s vision, and embrace change that defines true resilience. My journey embodies this spirit of resilience, where every setback has been met with an unwavering determination to succeed.

Through resilience, I have not only overcome personal barriers but also harnessed the strength to navigate the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. With Feels Familiar, I have witnessed the impact of unwavering determination and passion, transcending challenges to bring to life a brand that touches the lives of others in meaningful ways.

As an entrepreneur, resilience is the cornerstone that anchors us during turbulent times. It is a reminder that setbacks are not roadblocks but stepping stones towards greatness. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience – a force that has allowed me to embrace the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, bet on myself, and build a brand that embodies the values of authenticity, vulnerability, and accountability. Through resilience, I have not only realized my dreams but have also discovered the strength to inspire and uplift others on their own transformative journeys.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.feelsfamiliar.com/shop-feels
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feels_familiar/ and https://instagram.com/val_souza?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits
Photos credits by Austin Morales