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

Hi Aminta, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’m Aminta, the founder of Moodie Vibes. I am a proud Guatemalan-American, raised in Brooklyn, New York and I speak fluent Spanglish 😉 I started making candles in 2021 but have been a candle hoarder for years. When my family dynamics changed and I became a single mom of two (my hearts), I turned to candles all the more as a means of self care. Candles helped create a space where I could replenish and fill my cup. I was then able to give others from a place of love and overflow. As a maker, I hand craft in small batches using safe, clean ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. As a mom, I hand pour each candle with the intention of creating a self care experience for all but especially for Mothers, givers and nurturers.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Company Purpose Moodie Vibes began with a need for self care as a single Mother. At a time when my children were very young and with limited resources, I turned to candles. I would put my son and daughter to bed and light a candle in our small living room. Candles helped create a space where I could replenish and fill my cup allowing me to give from a place of love and overflow. As a mom, I hand pour each candle with the intention of creating a self care experience for all but especially for Mothers. The Scent of Self Care.

Problem
Mothers are nurturers, breadwinners, nurses, cooks, the backbone of the family and the bedrock of the community. But how often do we as mothers actually pour into ourselves?

Solution
Moodie Vibes is a candle company focused on advocating the importance of Mothers pouring into themselves in order to give from a more balanced and sustainable place.

We believe our core values as described below set us apart from our competition

To advocate the importance of self care for all but especially for Mothers

To give back by donating to Power of Two, an organization helping families heal from the root causes of trauma, helping children thrive and strengthen community. It takes a tribe.

To use minimalist, eco-friendly/biodegradable/recyclable packaging as well as educating our customers on ways to upcycle materials.

Further, Moodie Vibes candles are created with plant based coconut-soy wax, 100% unprocessed wooden wicks and premium fragrance and essential oils. Each is inspired by references to various lyrics and songs which distinguishes Moodie Vibes from other candle companies as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so much to see and do in the great NYC!! If I had the opportunity to take my BFF around for a couple days, I’d start with a classic bacon, egg and cheese with a light and sweet coffee in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. We’d make our way to on the 3 train to Grand Army Plaza and visit the Central Library. It’s such a beautiful and iconic structure in Brooklyn, New York. After that we would walk next door to the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Garden and enjoy over 52 acres of plants and flowers. Although, NYC is known as the concrete jungle, we too have a connection with nature. We would then jump in a cab to Family Pizza in Flatbush and get a pizza pie. It’s the best pizza in Brooklyn!! After so much walking, I’d make a picnic dinner on a nearby fire escape (NYC terrace) and enjoy the City vibes!

The next day, we’d get a bagel from Sunset Bagels and a cafecito and head to a matinee of Wicked on Broadway. It’s magical!! After the show, we’d walk over to Junior’s in Times Square for an early dinner and strawberry cheesecake…yum 🙂 We’d then head toward downtown Manhattan during the dusk hours to catch the Staten Island Ferry for the most amazing views of the Manhattan Skyline and Statue of Liberty. Once we dock on the Island, I’d take my best friend to the #BadAssBootCamp, a small business incubator and wellness oasis including holilstic remedies, workshops/resources and Moodie Vibes Candles for a little shopping while supporting small and local businesses 🙂 After a second full day of adventures we’d head on a cab over the Verrazzano Bridge back to Brooklyn and to the best steak house …Peter Luger!! I have to say …after writing this…I’m hungry!lol

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Moodie Vibes is not self made. We are community made!! We are so grateful for the tribe of family, friends and community that support us via prayers, purchases, recommendations, posting/reposting on social media and/or lending a helping hand during peak seasons. I’d like to especially give my parents Hugo and Aminta Paniagua a huge shoutout!! My parents go above and beyond from helping make meals for their grandchildren while I’m out at various markets, attending markets/events with me, staying up late helping label, make boxes and package candles. All of this love and support allows me to continue and allows me to dream big!! I am so grateful, so blessed. One of my big dreams is to retire my parents. God knows. And so it is!

Website: www.MoodieVibes.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/moodie__vibes/

Facebook: facebook.com/facebook.moodievibes

Image Credits
Nani (Lifestyle Photographer) @photo.by.nani (Instagram)

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