EXCLUSIVE: Wendy Osefo Talks Self-Care And Why Candles Play Such A Big Part In Her Lifestyle!
Dr. Wendy Osefo has always loved scents. Growing up in a Nigerian household, the Real Housewives Of Potomac star fondly remembers the aroma of her mother’s amazing cooking and other delightful scents that covered her home. “Scents have always been a staple for me,” she tells BET Lifestyle exclusively.
Her overwhelming love for fragrance ultimately led to the inspiration and eventual launch of Onyi Home Essentials, a home essential line that made its debut with an assortment of luxury candles, reed diffusers, and luxury room sprays. “At the beginning of the pandemic, I started redecorating my house and I realized I love home essentials. It is something I grew up with,” she explains.
Creating candles were the obvious first choice for the busy entrepreneur and mom-of-three who expresses that since she was a little girl, she's always been captured by the welcoming scent of someone’s home. “Before they see what type of TV you have, the first thing someone smells is the scent of your home,” she insists.
The brand recently launched two new candles for Black History Month and Valentine’s Day. Each fragrance is specially handcrafted and infused with one-of-a-kind fragrance oils to create the perfect burnable scent.
“For Black History Month, we have 'Royalty' because as Black people, we must always know that we hail from kings and queens and we are all royalty. That scent is bold, strong, and fearless—everything that we are as a people.”
As an ode to all the lovers in the world, the brand also launched a limited-edition candle for romantics. “We also have "Love Language"—it comes in a gold vessel and will do everything you think of when you think of loving someone,” the professor and political analyst promises.
Although candles are Osefo's personal must-have when it comes to making her home smell amazing, the reality star also turns to candles when she’s diving into her self-care routine. “When I have alone time, I get myself a nice blanket, some tea, and my candles from Onyi Home Essentials. I light those bad boys up…you would think I'm having a séance because I have these candles around me and I'm controlling my breath in and out,” she playfully shares.
The beauty continues, "Scents are big in my self-care routine. That’s why we were very detailed in the notes of each of our candles. I don't know if people know, but 96% of people's emotions actually come with what they smell. There are certain scents that make you want to spend money, I didn't know that. When you get a massage, you smell certain things in the massage room. They are trying to make you relax."
To date, Osefo absolutely loves the reception she’s gotten from her fans—which she so beautifully refers to as her supporters—about Onyi Home Essentials. She humbly expresses, “I am just forever grateful for everyone who has ever purchased from the home essential line and who continues to purchase. My greatest joy as an entrepreneur is the individuals who come back the second time.”
We honestly cannot wait to see what’s next from the multi-talented star and her growing brand. Pillows? Bedding? Furniture? Only time will tell. In the meantime, check out her book: Tears of My Mother: The Legacy of My Nigerian Upbringing.
** Editor’s Note: This story/interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
