We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Gaines Jr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
For me the most important factor is the value that I add to not only my community but my family as well. I have been the first in many things in my family and I want to be able to be seen as the one who brought the family up to new heights and provided a guide to success for others behind me. I’m never satisfied in just getting the job done because there’s no growth in that. Success to me is measured in how far you’ve come from point A to your end goal. You can never fail unless you quit.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would consider myself a savant especially when it comes to my artistic skills. It hasn’t always been like this for me however as in high school believe it or not I failed art class. I had the toughest time attempting different styles of drawing and painting that I basically gave up on the skill as a whole. As time passed and the pandemic set upon us I decided to translate the art skills I had into candle making. I have a deep appreciation for candles and the spirituality behind them. Being able to not only find a love for art again but put that into candles as well invigorated me to take everything to the next level. I started the business very ugly in a sense. Where I was in 2019 is a completely different than where I am now. I learned I have to take risk to truly test myself and reach new levels. I want my brand to symbolize confidence and an attitude of no matter what’s in front of you, you was destined to reach every goal in front of you.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In my opinion the best place to eat in my area would be a brunch spot on Ft Lauderdale named Santiago’s. I have never had a ribeye so tender to the point it was like butter until I went here. They offer a tapas-style brunch menu that’s all you can eat as well as complementary mimosas. Another place I love going is Bamboo Room in Lake Worth. Here they have live music and Djs most weekends and it’s an older crowd which adds to the overall chill vibe of the establishment. For a night cap I spend my time at the O Lounge in Ft Lauderdale. Here you can relax and have a couple drinks in an upscale venue and intimate setting. It gets pretty busy on weekends but with prior planning it definitely is a great place to end the night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to my Mother, Tracy, my brothers, Jonathan and Israel, and my father Michael. They all have a hand in molding who I am as a person and everything that I do in my life is for them. I want them to enjoy the fruits of life because they deserve all the beauty and love there is to give.

Website: Divine-radiance-candles.square.site

Instagram: @divineradiancecandles

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.