
Certain smells and scents can literally impact my mood. The part of our brain that processes smell just so happens to also stores our memories. The scent of sugar cookies reminds me of my Nannie. Woodsy earthy scents are sensual and remind me of a certain ex. Just like a fond memory can change your mood, an aroma can also change the atmosphere. The scent that lingers in my home is so important to me. More than just a way of eliminating odor, home fragrance is also a means of self-expression. When I have company over, I want them to feel welcome and I do that by making my home fragrance an element of design, like the colors of the art on the walls or the accent rug — I let the essence in the air compliment my personality.
Whether I am having visitors or indulging in some alone time, I reach for the nearest candle, and why not - they smell great, beautify your living space, and aid in relaxation. Epiphanie Yohou owns a great line of home essentials to transform your personal space. Ayoka Essentials, previously known as Ayoka Candles, is a woman-owned, small business home essentials company providing plant-based, vegan, and eco-friendly soy candles and newly introduced reed diffusers, and room/fabric sprays.

Products from Ayoka Essentials are made from proprietary blends of hand-selected essential oils and fragrances producing the most luxurious scents that are intense but not overpowering. When you purchase Ayoka Essentials products, you are enjoying toxin-free and environmentally sustainable products including packaging that is manufactured in a wind-powered facility. No longer just a candle company. Ayoka Essentials now offers reed diffusers and room/fabric/linen sprays available in all 7 signature scents.

When asking Epiphanie about the evolution of her business and how the expansion has changed her, she quipped, "The real question is- how has the process NOT changed me? [There are] many ways the process has changed me that I could mention patience - learning to wait on God’s timing, self-empowerment- remember you’re in charge of your destiny, and not taking no for an answer - when one door closes, there are always several windows to go through."

When I received my candles from Ayoka, I couldn’t pick a favorite scent, but if I had to choose one to light first, it would be Southern Night which is a spicy bourbon vanilla scent although Ayoka Essentials best-sellers are currently - Secret Garden, a lavender and vanilla blend and Sensual Bliss, a combination of sandalwood, musk, and amber. The signature collection is actually a custom blend impossible to replicate and is uniquely inspired by some amazing women in Epiphanie's life.
The addition of reed diffusers and fabric spays is not the end for Ephiphanie and Ayoka Essentials - a Yoruba word that translates to gratitude. Epiphanie intends for her company to be a globally recognized eco-friendly brand with placements in most, if not all, major retailers, boutique hotels, spas, etc. To prepare for greater exploits and in addition to the addition of her new products, owner Epiphanie has added new members to the Ayoka Essentials family to increase marketing, engagement, and improve customer service. Kua Lumei-Smith now heads up Sales & Marketing Operations while Donald Jacques leads all Digital Strategy & Customer Experience.
When Epiphanie is not producing products that generate peace and gratitude, she prefers to be outdoors in a peaceful and serene location (preferably a beach or a quiet hotel room). This is her happy place, allowing her to do what she loves - think, strategize, create and innovate.

For more information about Ayoka Essentials, connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and visit www.AyokaCandles.com.
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