Omoyeni Disu is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Mwanga Candles and Diffusers, a business borne out of her most soulful moments in life. Omoyeni’s success story is a journey from despair to triumph and it is one that is truly inspiring.
Mwanga Candles and Diffusers was birthed and designed – to remind one of the strong message of light at the end of every tunnel.
In commiseration of her late parents who died 40 days apart in 2017 most especially her mum, who was an ardent lover of candles/diffusers and everything scents, Omoyeni dreamed and brought the Mwanga vision to life in 2018, channeling her burning desire to remind herself that every dark turn leads to the Mwanga – light which in turn leads to happiness. These scents, she hopes, would serve as a scent of heaven in every household it touches, providing fortitude and restoring hope.
In this interview with Rae Ogbu, Omoyeni Disu talks more about choosing Mwanga Candles and Diffusers. The reason behind the establishment of the firm is indeed deep! Read more:
Question: What does Mwanga mean (translation in English)?
Omoyeni Disu: Mwanga means light in Swahili, I coined it to mean “my light at the end of the tunnel”.
Q: Where do you find inspiration to create a bespoke scent?
Disu: My late mum Olanike Disu also known as “Madam Tax” gosh mummy!!! was and is my inspiration. She was a scent lover, she lived candles, perfumes and everything scents, I literally would wake up every morning, go to her room and just lay on her body to just smell her.
“Mwanga isn’t just a business, it’s a way of life.”
Q: What are the secret ingredients to have when creating a scent that uplifts the mood psychologically and keeps the energy positive, healthy and inviting?
Disu: The basics, a candle jar, wax, fragrance oils (you can get various options of fragrances and move with what works for you or what you are led to) but the right measurements, proportions et al are key. Also, it has to come from a place of love and peace when curating and pouring each candle.
Q: Are there any unwritten rules (advice) for pairing different fragrances with different rooms?
Disu: I am of the school of thought that says “do what works for you” Some people love really strong scents in their space, others are fruity and mild. For instance, you don’t want your living room with overpowering scents because that’s the first point of call when people visit your home, so you want something subtle but still inviting, so you can have a watermelon in your living room, it’s so fruity and beautiful and then you can have a hazelnut coffee in your bedroom if you really want strong scents.
Q: Which scents are currently in vogue and which would you say have a timeless appeal?
Disu: I have 23 scents for you to pick from, my favourites are lemon pound cake, watermelon, pumpkin caramel crunch to mention a few, all my scents have a timeless appeal, it really is dependent on the individual.
Q: What are some of the ways you make your products bespoke to your customers?
Disu: We try to understand the client from our first conversation so as to better recommend a scent, we also offer customized gift boxes and can help recommend and source for your gifts. Mwanga isn’t just a business, it’s a way of life.
Q: What are some of the most famous spaces you’ve created fragrances for?
Disu: We haven’t launched yet but we have given the candles to some critics and their feedback has been positive, so we are very hopeful that we would be the “go to brand” for candles once we launch on November 11 at the Civic Centre.
Q: How has Mwanga Candles adapted to the challenges that face doing business in Nigeria?
Disu: Nigeria, Nigeria, Nigeria. I say this every time, the truth is if you can start something legitimate in this country with all its craziness and still stand, you are a SUPERSTAR. Light/Diesel is a major issue, then sometimes people want to beat your price down because you are new and they say “isn’t it just candles” sigh! but we are getting there and God has been faithful.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Disu: The joy in creating scents and knowing that you are creating happiness and bringing light into homes one scent at a time gives me the utmost thrill.
Q: Can you talk about any upcoming projects you‘re working on at the moment?
Disu: We have some great things coming up, but for now its secret but once we are ready to let the cat out of the bag, we would let you know!
***We can’t wait to see more from this inspiring brand and fearless CEO.