Meet The Creator Behind Cozy Co. Candles
What is your name and business name?
Nena Wilen and I’m Cozy Co.
2. How did you get into this medium?
I was working in a stressful environment as a nurse and needed a creative
escape. My husband had recently given me this amazing smelling Chili
Pepper + Orange candle and I started to wonder—could I make something
like this? I started experimenting and pouring candles in our kitchen and
loved both the art and the science of it. I formally established my brand,
cozy co. in 2017 and am still loving it all these years later!
3. What do you listen to when you are in your creating mood? Music, audiobook, or silence?
Usually blissful silence or an audiobook
4. What got you into art?
I come from a family of 6 where everyone can draw and is “artistic” except
for me. I wished that I could be artistic but never felt that I could be.
Realizing that being artistic doesn’t just mean being able to draw was an
A-HA moment for me. There are many creative elements in candle making,
from candle scent combinations to vessel selection to branding and label
design as well as brand identity. And while I still struggle a bit with
imposter syndrome when calling myself an artist, Webster’s dictionary
defines an artist as a person who creates using conscious skill and
creative imagination, so I guess I can say I am one 놴놲놵놶놷놳
5. What made you want to sell your art?
To be able to share wonderful smelling candles with others to cozy up their
house or be a lovely gift is so fun! Plus, as much as I love candles, you can
only burn so many at a time, so I needed to do something with all the other
ones! I enjoy the business side of my art as much as I enjoy the creative
side- keeps my right brain AND my left brain happy!
6. What do you want people to know about your art?
I AM cozy co. – I touch every part of the process + strive to make the best
quality products that will appeal to a wide range of style + scent
preferences. cozy co.’s mission is to help people find moments of
simplicity, joy, beauty + coziness in the everyday.
Now to the fun stuff:
1. Are you a reader?
YES!! Some of my very best childhood memories are from hours at the library!
Libraries + bookstores are still my favorite places to go for some therapy +
downtime!
2. What do you like to read?
Nothing too heavy or dark- reading equals an escape for me & a rest for my
brain, so I want what I read to check those boxes!
3. DO you have a favorite author?
Many! L.M. Montgomery, Elizabeth Berg, Liane Moriarty & Katherine Center
are probably at the top of the list.
4. If you could recommend any book or series what would it be?
If you haven’t read anything by Kendra Adachi, aka The Lazy Genius, please
do! Her books are so refreshingly real, genuine, insightful and really
helpful!!
