Hi, I'm Nidia.
Darling, Rest. comes from something I've believed for a long time: most of us need more time to slow down, and most of us don't take it.
For years I've made guided meditations for kids and families through Minibuddha. I started it with my daughter, and watching her grow up with meditation changed how I saw it too. I used to think I was bad at it because my mind never went quiet. It turns out that was never the point. You just make a little room to stop and notice how you feel.
I needed that when I moved to Canada. Moving countries is so overwhelming, and for many moments I felt stressed and anxious. Meditation didn't fix any of it, but it was something I could come back to when everything else was new.
Somewhere along the way I noticed how much work the small things were doing. Ten quiet minutes. A candle lit after a long day.
Why candles?
I love a house at the end of the day. Every night, I'm the one asking “Hey Google, turn the lights down to 50%.” :))). Low lights, a book on my lap, a cup of tea. Or maybe lighting a candle for a prayer, or simply to make the room feel a little softer before bed.
But my love for candles began long before any of that.
I grew up with a Bahian grandmother who taught me to light a candle when I prayed. Whenever I needed a little help from above, I'd call her and ask, “Mãe, acende uma vela pra mim?” — Mom, will you light a candle for me?
And she would, always with love. There was always a candle on her altar, sometimes beside a little flower. These small things, the things grandmothers teach us without even realizing it, became part of me. They stayed with me and continue to be part of my life today.
Why chapters?
I started thinking of life in chapters. There are seasons of figuring things out, seasons of guarding your peace, and seasons of just wanting to feel like yourself again. For Darling, Rest. I want to build around those feelings, and every candle in it has its own scent and its own story.
You might love one chapter now and come back to a different candle in a few weeks for a completely different reason. I like that.
Made slowly, in Richmond, BC
Every candle is hand-poured by me in Richmond, British Columbia. I work in small batches because I believe beautiful things deserve time.
I use a coconut soy wax blend, premium fragrance oils and reusable vessels designed to become part of your home long after the candle has burned.
A note before you go
I don't believe a candle can change your life, but I do believe a small ritual can change an ordinary day.
If lighting one of these candles reminds you to slow down, to breathe and sit with yourself for a little longer, then it has already done exactly what I hoped it would.
Thank you for being here.
Nidia