Soul Food Candle Company is a business founded by Ko and DeMarkus Trinidad-Williams, a Queer and Non-Binary couple from Compton and Inglewood, California. More than just a company that sells candles, Soul Food Candle Co. is a creative and cultural enterprise deeply inspired by the lived experiences of its founders as Black and Brown creatives. Their mission is to create culturally driven, story-rich home products that celebrate and affirm the identities of underrepresented communities, sparking nostalgia and a sense of belonging for their customers.
The company’s ethos is rooted in their personal stories and the communities they grew up in. They draw inspiration from traditions, family gatherings, the sounds of their neighborhoods, and the sacred rituals of self-care. This dedication to authenticity is reflected in their diverse range of product lines, which are carefully crafted to smell like “community, memory, and presence.” Their scents are thoughtfully named to evoke specific cultural touchstones and personal experiences.
Some of their popular candle scents include:
- Cocoa Butter Bby: A warm and comforting scent with notes of warm spices, jasmine flower, and golden amber, reminiscent of freshly moisturized skin.
- Sandalwood Silked Waves: Inspired by the ritual of self-care, this scent evokes the smoothness of silk and the deep aroma of sandalwood.
- La Madera Macho: A bold and woody scent that is a tribute to masculine energy and presence.
- Besitos De Coco: A delightful scent that captures the essence of coconut, evoking a sense of sweet comfort.
- Plátano Más Duro: A gourmand scent that smells like the rich, sweet aroma of plantains.
- The Healing Plants: A scent designed to be centering and restorative, with a floral and herbal blend.
Soul Food Candle Company is an unapologetically QTBIPOC-inspired brand, and this commitment to their identity has been a driving force behind their success. As first-generation business owners, Ko and DeMarkus have navigated the challenges of building a brand from the ground up, all while protecting their unique artistic vision from being co-opted. They started by pouring candles in their apartment and have since grown to operate out of a dedicated studio, a testament to the strong support of their community, which they affectionately call the “Soul Food Fam.”
Their candles are hand-poured in small batches using all-natural soy wax and are free of phthalates and parabens. The company’s products are designed to be more than just a pleasant fragrance; they are a form of storytelling and a celebration of culture. By infusing their products with their identities and experiences, Ko and DeMarkus have created a brand that makes people feel seen, affirmed, and celebrated in their own homes.
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