Dia
Dia is a local Toronto shop and Canadian candle company. They create made in Canada coconut soy wax candles with unique scents that they develop specifically for their luxury candles.
What inspired you to start your business?
Fragrance has always been a deeply personal part of my life. But while living in United States and Canada, I noticed that South Asian inspired scents available here rarely captured the true complexity and richness I grew up with. I created Dia to bridge that gap.
How do you describe your business?
Dia is a Canadian fragrance brand that reimagines South Asian scents and stories for the modern world. We create coconut wax candles in small batches using clean, premium oils and zinc and lead-free wicks. What sets Dia apart is our commitment to scent complexity and cultural storytelling. We craft layered fragrance profiles that blend traditional South Asian notes like jasmine and sandalwood with a refined, modern edge. Each scent takes months of thoughtful development and iteration to perfect. Our goal is to bring these fragrances and their stories into modern homes in a way that feels natural and elegant.
My background is in operations and product development, but my lifelong passion for fragrance is the drive. At its core, Dia is meant to bring familiarity to some and spark curiosity in others.
What’s your bestselling product & why do you think it’s so popular?
My current best selling product is Mogra.
Mogra stands for Arabian jasmine in a few Indian languages. In South Asian households, this flower has long been associated with beauty, devotion and purity. What makes this scent truly special is that it feels familiar but elevated. The top note of mogra is jasmine. It’s followed by middle notes of tuberose and honeysuckle which deepens the floral dimension. Finally, for the base note we have a hint of sandalwood creating a soft, well-rounded scent. Ultimately, Mogra is popular because it strikes a rare balance. For many, the scent is tied to memories of warm evenings, flower garlands or family rituals. For others, it introduces a floral note that feels exotic, elegant and unforgettable.
What’s your personal favourite product?
Currently, my personal favorite is Himani. It has a cool crisp scent that feels like a breath of fresh air. It was inspired by the Himalays, the feeling of the first deep breath you take in the early morning light when you’re in the mountains.
This is the scent I use when I need a moment of peace or a mental reset. It’s the kind of scent that people lean in and ask about because it is unique and memorable.
What’s your favourite local Toronto shop?
