Meet Diona Limas | Creative Candle Maker

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

Hi Diona, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
You know that question that every young person gets asked,” What do you want to be when you grow up?”

The thought of having to answer that question ALWAYS made me cringe.

Simply, I wanted to be everything AND nothing. I didn’t want to be defined by my career. I also wanted to dip into so many different avenues without ever being bound by one.

Simply, happiness and the need to feel free was always there even as a child.

I believe this is why I’ve found myself in a creative space with the freedom to express but also the requirement of wearing many hats. As someone with a small business you aren’t just creating all day. There’s so many other things to attend to.

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.
Candles have taught me patience beyond belief. Initially I thought the process was going to be easy. I found out quickly that there’s endless options when it comes wicks, waxes, dyes, + vessels and that each and every combination HAD to be tested.

For anyone looking to start a candle line I’d suggest you start with small batches only. Even after testing an initial combo. This way you can catch where your mistakes are.

I remember early on being so proud because I had made a ton of one particular candle combination only to find out later that I had made a mistake with wick size and all of those freshly made candles were ultimately useless. Fun times.

Early on I knew I wanted to create items that weren’t able to be found in stores.
If someone was going to invest in me by buying something from my website it should be unique + made with love + intention.

This is why majority of the soy candles I have available are custom blends with unique names + labels. I also offer decorative candles in the shape of woman + male bodies, zig zags, and more. They all have a unique options when it comes to color/style.

One of the many lessons I’ve learned on this journey is to be patient and to have a little grace set aside for myself. I’m only one person and quality has to come before quantity. So when it comes to what I have in stock + what all I can create within a certain time period I don’t beat myself up.

Also, when I’m drained I don’t create. When I’m inspired I take notes, when I’m ready to work I give my all into each step I take.

My business is still in its early stages however if there was anything I’d want people to take away from Status Glow: it would be to embrace yourself, your flaws, and your experiences because no one else in this world has what you have and that alone is art.

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?
There is a place in Chicago called the WNDR museum. It’s basically selfie heaven so make sure your phone is charged. On a serious note there are some really cool sights to see. I especially love the end of the exhibit that is filled with Sticky notes where people have written down things they ‘know to be true.’ Hundred of notes. Some funny, some deep, some sad, overall it’s a beautiful piece of art.

Also in Chicago there is a place called The Shudio. They have the healthiest most beautiful plants for sale. I swear they must sing to their plants + give them so much love because they actually last +thrive when you take them home. The Shudio also features a bunch of other small business’s items. One of my favorite small businesses is featured there. They’re called Tea Time Over + they have delicious smelling bath + body products.

Black Label Cut Parlor in Highland Indiana is where I get my haircut. It’s the most beautiful barbershop I’ve ever seen. It’s bright, open, + very welcoming. I’ve been getting a side shave for years now.

Bel Viso Skin Spa in Merrillville, Indiana is another business I highly recommend if you need a facial or wax. It’s a place to go to unwind + treat yourself to the self care we all need.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Major shoutout to my kids who tell me so often how proud they are of me. My 6 yr old son will say things like, “Mom I’m proud of you. You never give up with making candles”

My husband: who encourages me and never ceases to show enthusiasm and encouragement despite having smelled every fragrance oil under the sun thanks to me. He gives me awesome ideas and is there whenever I want to throw a fit OR celebrate over a small win.

Last but certainly not least; my mom.
She was never the type of parent to pressure her kids into being doctors or lawyers: rather, she’d encourage us to find our unique creative voice. She did this everyday in a very special way. She is also an extremely talented human that has inspired me my entire life. She’s skilled in drawing, stained glass, jewelry making, scrapbooking, and she’s the best writer I know. I’m so appreciative of her, the way she raised me, without judgment, without pressure to be something I’m not, just never ending support and love.

Website: StatusGlow.shop

Instagram: @statusglowww

Facebook: Diona Jane

Other: personal Instagram: dionajane