By: Sherifat A. Mohammed

Candles have long been a staple of self-care routines, enhancing practices like baths, meditation, or yoga with their soft light and soothing scents. Lighting a candle can act as a powerful signal to your brain to shift into a state of relaxation and self-care, promoting emotional balance and well-being. The combination of light, scent, and ambiance created by candles has a profound impact on mood, triggering positive psychological and physical responses. Many candles are infused with essential oils or scented wax, offering therapeutic effects through aromatherapy by influencing the brain's limbic system, which governs emotions and memory.

Now, imagine candles that not only uplift your spirit but also give you a sensory journey across continents. Rashidat Mohammed, founder of Taste the World Candle Company, has made this idea a reality. By day, she works as a Public Health professional; by night, she crafts exquisite candles that capture the essence of African culture and ingredients. Born at Grady Hospital and raised in East Point, Georgia, Rashidat is a true ATLien who grew up attending Mt. Olive Elementary (now Asa G. Hilliard Elementary School), Woodland Middle School, and Westlake High School. Her Atlanta roots remained strong through her education at the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in Health Promotions. She later pursued an MPH from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Jackson State University. These achievements, combined with her creativity, public health background, and business acumen, led her to establish Taste the World Candle Company.

The inspiration behind Rashidat’s business stems from her love for candles and her recognition of a lack of representation in the market. She noticed that many candles overlooked the richness of African culture, despite the continent’s immense diversity in resources and traditions. Africa, with its 1.4 billion people across 54 countries, offers a cultural tapestry unlike any other. From the bustling cities of Lagos and Cairo to the serene deserts of the Sahara and the lush rainforests of the Congo, the continent is a vibrant mix of histories, languages, and traditions.

Each region of Africa boasts its unique identity. North Africa, influenced by Arab culture and Islam, is home to countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia, where spices like saffron are treasured. West Africa, renowned for its music, dance, and textiles, is a cultural powerhouse where nations like Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana celebrate traditions like Afrobeat music and beadwork. Culinary treasures like Jollof rice, a one-pot tomato-based dish bursting with spices, originate from this region. East Africa blends indigenous traditions with external influences, with Ethiopia standing out as the birthplace of coffee and Kenya and Tanzania showcasing Maasai and Swahili cultures. Southern Africa, rich in heritage from the Zulu of South Africa to the Shona of Zimbabwe, incorporates flavors like nutmeg into its diverse cuisine.

Rashidat’s candles are a tribute to this cultural richness and to her late mother, Taiwo. In Yoruba culture, Taiwo, the name given to the younger twin, means “Taste the World,” symbolizing the child’s role in ensuring the world is safe for their sibling. Rashidat honors her mother’s passion for Africa by crafting hand-poured candles infused with authentic African ingredients. Using a blend of carrier oils and all-natural fragrance oils, she brings the essence of Africa to life in her creations.

Taste the World Candle Company currently offers six distinct scents, each rooted in African heritage. *Cocoa Heritage* features Ghanaian cocoa, while *Traditional Spice* incorporates West African hot pepper. *Black Coffee Ceremony* highlights Ethiopian dark roast coffee, and *Historic Hibiscus* uses West African hibiscus paired with notes of coconut, wild rose, and sandalwood teak. *Red Gold* is infused with Moroccan red saffron and complemented by vanilla, black pepper, and bergamot, while *Native Nutmeg* showcases African calabash nutmeg with hints of cinnamon, brown sugar, and baked bread.

Candles, with their combination of light and scent, have the power to transform an environment and elevate mood. Rashidat’s unique creations go beyond simple ambiance—they offer an opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Africa with every flicker of their flame. Whether you're seeking relaxation, focus, or a cozy atmosphere, these candles provide an emotional and sensory journey that connects you to a rich cultural legacy. Through Taste the World Candle Company, Rashidat invites you to explore the world one scent at a time, celebrating the beauty of Africa and the universal joy of candlelight.

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