DBT40 Honoree: Diante Simmons

Title: Owner

Diante Simmons | DBT PHOTO BY LUIGI CIUFFETELLI

Workplace: Cabernet Candles

Age: 30

Diante Simmons has always been an active member of her community, ranging from law enforcement officer, art exhibit organizer and EMT of five years. But as the founder of Cabernet Candles, a candle and craft cafe, she now hopes to offer a creative space that intertwines art, history and culture in one location.

Cabernet Candles was born from the COVID-19 pandemic when Simmons saw a need to create a safe environment for people to express themselves through art during the lockdowns. Since the business was launched in 2020, she has organized candle-making and wine-tasting events for small parties and nonprofits, customized with possible add-ons like perfume making and soap making experiences. Initially, Simmons’ plan was to offer Delaware brides a unique event experience for their bridal parties, but as her customer base grew, she began to think bigger.

In the past four years, Cabernet Candles has hosted events and fundraisers for nonprofits like Shepherd Place homeless shelter for women and children. Simmons also has worked with the New Castle Historical Society on an “Art in the Garden” series to highlight many minority artists. She has also organized free children’s craft events and fundraisers for the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and Friendship House.

Simmons has earned recognition as a University of Delaware Horn Entrepreneurship 2024 WE Hatch Honor Circle honoree and has also been featured in both “Black Enterprise” and “Artisan Joy” magazine.

Outside of her business, Simmons has served as a correctional officer for the past 10 years. She also became an EMT at the age of 17, a year she will always remember as the year she delivered her first infant in the field.