Daria Via - Cozy + MeTime Candles

Life Smells So Good!

By Dr. Marrissa Dick

Photos Provided by Alphonso Abbott

Candles are everywhere you look nowadays. Candles, specifically citronella candles, are used by people to ward off annoying insects and mosquitoes while enjoying a relaxing evening outside. Even more, candles have become integral to most ceremonies and are a welcomed part of American culture.

The history of candles dates back many years, even centuries. According to The National Candle Association, one of the earliest uses of candles can be traced to the Ancient Egyptians in 3,000 B.C. as a way to provide light. Candles have also been central to worship and religious ceremonies thousands of years ago.

Did you know that in the 1800s, candles were used by miners as a way to keep track of time? The candles were marked with 12 lines, and when the wick burnt to a specific line, the miners would know it was time for a shift change. Today, most people use candles to make their homes feel cozier. They have become decorative pieces, proven to enhance one’s mental vibe. Greensboro, NC, resident Daria Via has made it her business to bring the art and culture of candle-making to the forefront.

Daria is the owner and operator of Cozy + MeTime Candles. Originally from Martinsville, VA, Daria is married to Brandon, and together they share one son, Braylon, whom she describes as her “why” and motivation.

Daria also understands the nuances of candles, how they complement an environment, and most of all, how impactful they can be in providing a feeling of peace and serenity to those who utilize them. She attended the Art Institute of Charlotte, NC, and majored in fashion and marketing. She also attended Guilford Technical Community College and received an associate degree in business administration and marketing.

Daria shares, “For me, candles have always set a vibe in any space they’re in. If you think about it, candles have been setting the vibe for well over 5,000 years. Most people may not be aware of that. You could be at a funeral, a birthday party, or a celebration; when you light that candle, you set the emotional vibe at that moment. I need to have positive energy around me; that’s very important,” she says.

It’s funny how things can transpire and cause you to step out on faith........... I knew whatever it was, it had to be something that I was passionate about.

Daria shares, “For me, candles have always set a vibe in any space they’re in. If you think about it, candles have been setting the vibe for well over 5,000 years. Most people may not be aware of that. You could be at a funeral, a birthday party, or a celebration; when you light that candle, you set the emotional vibe at that moment. I need to have positive energy around me; that’s very important,” she says.

Daria has worked in the hospitality industry for many years but shares she never felt fulfilled. “It’s funny how things can transpire and cause you to step out on faith. For me, it happened during the unanticipated 2020 Covid 19 pandemic. My normal source of income was decreased by more than 60%, and that experience caused me to realize that I didn’t have anything to fall back on. So, I started figuring out what I could do to make up for the loss of income. I knew whatever it was, it had to be something that I was passionate about,” she says. “I knew I would need to build my own brand and use my own energy and skill set.”

Though she’s married and describes her husband Brandon as a wonderful provider, Daria found enjoyment in knowing she was bringing something to the table, too. After the pandemic, she wanted to ensure that when she did find another job, she wouldn’t find herself in a similar situation again. Soon, she began reflecting on the things she enjoyed. Next, she says, “I’ve always appreciated candles and purchased them frequently for decorations around my home. Candles have been a stable part of my “MeTime”. I eventually dove into researching everything about candles and learned about the different waxes and wicks and how they burn when combined with different types of wax. I had no clue so many wax variances existed. My research helped me to realize why some of my candles burnt the way they did.”

She knew she wanted to create a candle that she would enjoy. She also wanted to create a candle that would smell great and exceed her standards. Her research paid off, and though it took nearly a year, once Daria understood how everything worked together, there was no stopping the young and talented entrepreneur. The formula she created is the same one she now uses in all her productions. In only two years of operations, her company has grown tremendously. “I have learned that following your passion can pay off. What would seem like work to some can be very interesting to others. For Daria, learning about her passion satisfied her inner being and provided a new stream of revenue for her family.

For avid candle lovers, candles are an integral part of their personal downtime. Whether relaxing at home in a hot bath with a scented candle or simply sitting in your favorite chair enjoying your quiet time, candles help to set the mood. According to Daria, “During my “MeTime” I can relax, clear my head, and focus on what I need to do next. Clarity is important; if you’re burning candles to relax, you don’t want candles with chemicals and unnecessary additives. Those things can lead to health issues. My candles are all-natural soy candles, a safer and healthier product to burn. I truly believe that’s why they sell so well, especially at the farmer’s market. When I first started selling them there, I would sell out every time. Then I thought, if they’re selling really well here, let me see if I can get my candles in a boutique. So, I started going into the different shops in Greensboro and Kernersville, introducing myself and my product, and asked if I could leave a few candles there,” she says. The answer was yes. “Doing that leg work allowed me to become familiar with the surrounding communities and the different establishments inside of them.”

Some of the flavors of candles Daria offers are Watermelon Sugar, Coconut Lime, and Jamaica Me Crazy. There is also a Men’s Perspective line with scents like Black Ice, Kentucky Bourbon, and Cool Water. Currently, Cozy + MeTime Candles can be purchased at Eclections in downtown Kernersville and at Unique Gifts & More in Ridgeway, VA.

When not meeting the demands of being wife, mother, and career woman, Daria finds time to reflect on how to incorporate her candles into more business establishments, and the result was an idea of team-building exercises. “Once I started connecting with different companies, I couldn’t believe how receptive they were. Things began to move really fast, and now I’m doing girls’ nights out at different venues, which strengthens friendships. My clients come away with a beautiful creation that solidifies the memory of the time spent together. I also appreciate the candle-making sessions I conduct at churches and women’s conventions. These teambuilding sessions are so impactful. I have been able to give people the space to ask questions about themselves anonymously and create an opportunity for them to provide healing feedback. I didn’t think it would evolve into this, but it has. I’m so grateful I stepped out on faith and followed my passion. Life is about taking chances. If you don’t ever take a chance or just start, you don’t know where you could be or ever discover what your future holds. I would encourage anyone who has a passion or enjoys a hobby to not limit themselves and don’t be afraid of failure. The important thing is to take that first step.”

Who knew the Covid 19 pandemic would be the impetus for Cozy + MeTime Candles? Who knew that her passion for making candles would become the success it has? Daria believed enough within herself, and that is all that mattered. She is determined not to be at the mercy of any such unforeseen disorder ever again.

Under Daria’s direction, Cozy + MeTime Candles is set to change the way people enjoy the art of candle burning. For companies who are interested in taking team-building exercises to the next level, she is ready to help. Daria also is available to provide her unique candlemaking experience for church meetings and assist with building closer relationships during “girl’s nights out” events.

For more information, please visit their website.

www.cozymetime.com