Today we’d like to introduce you to DeMarkus & Ko Trinidad-Williams.
Hi DeMarkus & Ko, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Soul Food Candle Co. started as a labor of love in our small apartment, where we poured each candle by hand, hoping to create something that felt like home. It wasn’t just about making candles—it was about storytelling through scent, about capturing the everyday moments that make up our culture, our communities, and our memories. It’s about preservation and not forgetting the very fabric that makes us who we are.
Growing up, scent was tied to everything—family gatherings, hair rituals, and late-night kitchen conversations. Those moments inspired us to build a brand that felt deeply personal yet universally nostalgic.
In the beginning, we didn’t have a big budget or a fancy setup. Just a passion for creating and a belief that our people deserve to see themselves reflected in luxury and home goods. Slowly, word spread—first among family and friends, then through local markets, and now across a growing community of supporters who connect with what we do.
We’re still growing, still learning, and still pouring each candle with the same love we had on day one. To see Soul Food Candle Co. become what it is today—a brand that represents culture, belonging, empowerment, and nostalgia—is something we don’t take for granted. We’re just grateful to be on this journey and to share it with the people who see themselves in our work.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped Soul Food Candle Co. into what it is today. When we first started, we were learning everything from scratch—how to properly pour candles, test fragrance blends, and make sure each scent told the stories we wanted to share, amongst many other things first generation business owners experience. Candle-making isn’t just about melting wax and adding fragrance; it’s a science and an art. There were plenty of trial-and-error moments—candles that wouldn’t burn right, scents that didn’t last, formulas we had to tweak over and over again. Over time, we perfected our product, creating a smooth eco-friendly burning candle that lasts long, and projects fragrances that brings a sense of belonging, empowerment, and nostalgia to your space.
We’ve also faced fears about how people would receive our work. Our art is deeply personal—it reflects our culture, our language, and the way we experience the world. We worried that some wouldn’t understand our lingo or the cultural references behind our scents. And then there’s the reality of culture vultures—seeing elements of our work and identity being co-opted by bigger brands without the heart and history behind them. Sometimes it’s disheartening but we continue to push forward similar to how our ancestors did.
But through it all, our community has had our back. The people who see themselves in Soul Food Candle Co. ride for us, and that’s what keeps us going. Every message from a customer saying our candle reminded them of their grandparents kitchen or their childhood summers—that’s the kind of support that means everything. We’re still growing, still learning, but we know we’re not doing this alone. Our people see us, and that’s the biggest blessing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
We make candles that tell stories—about where we come from, who raised us, and the little moments that make us feel at home. Soul Food Candle Co. is all about scent-driven nostalgia, blending culture, memory, and vibes that hit close to the heart.
We’re known for bold, soulful scents with names that spark conversation—like Plátano Más Duro or Thick Like Cornbread. What sets us apart is how deeply personal and playful our candles are. They don’t just smell good—they mean something.
We’re most proud of how our community connects to our work. When folks say, “This reminds me of my childhood” or “This smells like my abuela’s kitchen”—that’s everything.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Soulfoodcandleco.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/soulfoodcandleco
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/soulfoodcandleco
Image Credits
All Candle Photos are credited to both co- founders of Soul food Candle Co., DeMarkus & Ko Trinidad-Williams.
Founder Photo is credited to Sage.
Instagram: sage.sage.sage.sage.sage.sage
Website: www.rahtographer.com
