Joya King shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Joya, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Life has a funny way of aligning everything at once, but that’s the beauty of it—I’ve learned that a “normal” day for me usually looks like organized chaos. Some hours I’m the diligent graduate student, other hours I’m the ambitious business owner, and in between I’m clocked into the classic 9–5. And on the really special days, I get to juggle all three.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Joya, the owner of **JoyAromas Candle Company**. What started as a class project in my undergraduate capstone course—just an attempt to get an A—turned into an entrepreneurial dream come true. JoyAromas is a handcrafted, all-natural candle company that I’ve grown with passion and care. Each candle is made with a wooden wick that provides a soft, cozy crackle when lit, and our aroma mists and diffusers are designed to light up any size room with just a few bursts.
When I’m not in the candle-making lab, I love traveling and experiencing new things. Exploring new places often sparks inspiration for new scents and ideas I can bring back into my work. For me, JoyAromas isn’t just about candles—it’s about creating little moments of comfort, warmth, and joy that people can enjoy every day.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My first time traveling was a domestic trip, but it completely shifted how I viewed the world. Even without leaving the country, I realized just how vast life is beyond the borders of my hometown. That experience opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of people, cultures, foods, and subgroups that exist outside of what I was used to. It sparked a curiosity in me—to keep learning, keep exploring, and keep stepping outside of my comfort zone. That trip shaped my perspective and reminded me that the world is so much bigger than our everyday routines, and there’s always more to see, taste, and experience.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You are more capable than you realize. Every dream you hold close to your heart can become a reality, and every vision you imagine is within reach. With your resilience, determination, and natural knack for learning, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish. Trust yourself, stay curious, and keep moving forward—even when things feel uncertain. The challenges will shape you, the lessons will guide you, and in time, you’ll see that everything you once dreamed of is possible, because *you* made it so.”
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends will tell you that my village means everything to me, and they’re absolutely right. I am who I am today because of the love, guidance, and unwavering support I’ve received from the people around me. My village has been there to celebrate my wins, lift me up during challenges, and remind me of my strength when I’ve forgotten it myself. Their belief in me has shaped not only my journey but also the person I’ve become, and for that, I’ll always carry them with me in everything I do.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope I’m remembered for my authenticity—for showing up as myself in everything I did. I’m building an empire with purpose and passion, and my greatest hope is that the story behind it—the journey, the lessons, the resilience—lasts far beyond my time on this earth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.joyaromas.shop
- Instagram: joyaromas.candleco
- Facebook: JoyAromas Candle Company
Image Credits
Natalye Scott
