AROUND THE WORLD, THERE ARE WOMEN STARTING BUSINESSES, TURNING THEIR PASSIONS INTO PROFIT AND INSPIRING OTHER WOMEN ALONG THE WAY. WOMEN UPLIFTING AND SHINING A LIGHT ON OTHER WOMEN IS WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT AND IN THIS SEGMENT, WE’RE FEATURING SELF - CARE ENTHUSIAST, CHANTAL DIAZ, OWNER OF CHANTAL DIAZ COLLECTION..

At A Glance:

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given? "Follow your gut"

Where is your favorite food to eat? Mexican food for sure!

What’s the last book you read? Becoming by Michelle Obama

It seems that today, many women are leaving their nine to five jobs to embark on the path of entrepreneurship and are inspiring other women to do the same. While we praise women of all backgrounds and creeds, I couldn’t wait to speak to Chantal Diaz because not only is she a fellow Dominican entrepreneur, but she has an inspiring Instagram page, an incredible candle collection and still works her day job in the fashion industry. She’s building a lifestyle brand based on self-care and good intentions through vegan candles that will transport you from your home to anywhere in the world.

I absolutely LOVE your candles and what they represent. How did you get started?

Thank you so much! Well, I have always love candles and have been obsessed with fragrances and the power they have to mentally take you places. I remember always creating my own scents and hand pouring one of kind candles for my close friends. One day I said wait a minute! Here is something I love doing and I’m good at, let me explore this -- and next thing you know, Chantal Diaz Collection was born.

What are some of the hardships you’ve faced while building your business?

I still have a full time job! I work in the fashion industry as a Showroom Coordinator. I think juggling my job and my company has definitely been hard. I think organization and determination always prevails on my busy days. It can get overwhelming but l love what I do!

What inspires your scents?

Many many things -- To name a few definitely experiences, the strength of a woman, and emotion.

What advice would you give other female entrepreneurs who are just getting started in their businesses?

Do your research on other companies doing the same thing but don't get attached to their vision. Your brand’s power is uniqueness! You are 100 percent capable of doing something that has not been done before and this goes for your marketing, packaging, website or sales operations. Get creative!

What sets your candles apart from other candles on the market?

It was very important to me that my prices were accessible but still offer a luxury experience. Our candles are vegan, rich in scent and make your space look elevated at a very accessible price.

As a fellow Latina entrepreneur, what is your biggest goal?

My biggest goal as a Latina entrepreneur is to grow my brand in every aspect of the word. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to make my name a Lifestyle. I want to cultivate a lifestyle that celebrates self-love and encourages expression. This has been a journey that has influenced my personal growth as a Latina and I’m excited to see what the future holds.