Meet Adina Diaz | Ritual Candle Marker & Skincare Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Adina Diaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Adina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Positive risk-taking can offer rewards mentally, spiritually and financially. I had to allow myself to welcome fear and honor the lessons and process of healthy risk taking. Growth doesn’t come without discomfort and I knew me taking a risk in my business would come with many challenges and hard times. That the journey wouldn’t come easy and to remember us entrepreneurs have to be fearless. Without risk, I wouldn’t be where I’m at now. Without risk, I would’ve stayed stagnant and not grow as much as I have in the past year. As the journey continues I have changed my relationship with fear that revolves around risk-taking. Every career decision I make is a gamble and risk but I would rather know in my life that I have taken chances with passion, heart and soul then not at all.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am, and own Natural Feeling Spa and Guided Flame Co.

N.F.S is my business that offers spa services such as; holistic plant-based facials, reiki and sound therapy. I have been in the beauty industry for over 17 years providing not only the LA community with a one of a kind spa experience but now, my ATL community.

G.F.C is my Ritual Candle and Skincare company revolving around crystals, mantra cards and anointing oils. 100% plant-based candles and skincare and all completely handmade and poured.

Today, I want to express that I’m most proud of the growth. The growth from failing and succeeding. The challenges never really actually stop, they just become something different. It’s about managing them and understanding that it’s not always a negative. The challenges have pushed me to become something more than what I am, something greater. I am most proud that even before the pandemic I had a brick and mortar for five years in the heart of LA all by myself. No investors, sugar daddies, loans etc. I’m proud I did that for five years. And even though the pandemic forced me to shut my brick and mortar down and start something new, I know that I am capable. My brands are becoming something more. It’s evolved into something bigger now that I’m bicoastal and have more than just one business. Growth baby!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well this is a fun question! Since I’m new to the city and only been here for a year I am still discovering spots that make me happy and becoming a regular at myself. But here a list of things that’s a must if hanging with me. • The Beltline. When I first moved here I was like what the heck is this thing people keep talking about! Well it’s become definitely a weekly activity to hit the beltline with my quad skate friends and go skating around town on the beltline.
• Con Leche Café in Reynoldstown is my go to coffee spot. Latino owned and delicious coffee.
• Talat Market which is located in the Summerhill is my neighborhood Thai spot that race on my bike to get to every other weekend. You will not be disappointed.
• Breakfast at Barneys is a family run business, black owned and the pancakes are smacking! I can’t get enough of their 24k pancakes.
• Tiendita in El Ponce which supports fair trade, women & indigenous brands like mine! They carry Guided Flame Co and many other amazing one of a kind products.
• For a fancy dinner and some amazing cocktails, I head to Ecco in Midtown. Once in a while I like to get dressed up and the executive chef has a killer menu.
• Last but not least, Natural Feeling Spa for a holistic facial and Reiki. I can give myself a facial, right? Lol.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In this life, I have truly been blessed with such a strong support system of family and friends. It is not an easy road to be entrepreneur or a small business owner. There were definitely moments where I was down on my knees asking for direction doubting myself. Without hesitation, my family and friends were there the whole way lifting me up and cheering me on.
Encouraging me to not give up, to fight for my dream and that most importantly of all, they believed in me. I also wouldn’t be where I’m at without having a strong woman as my mentor. My mentor never sugarcoats and always gives me the hard truth I need to hear. My mentor has guided me in many ways not only financially but spiritually. I am beyond words blessed and know how rare it is to have such a powerful relationship. I call my mentor Yoda, because, well she’s like a Yoda. Not telling me what to do but dropping gems left and right waiting for me to make the call.

Website: https://guidedflame.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guidedflameco/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuidedFlameCo

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/natural-feeling-spa-and-boutique-los-angeles-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AdinaDiaz

Other: I have two IG’s, Facebooks and Yelps. LA and GA.

Image Credits
Ren Adkins @renadkinsphoto