Meet Brittany Taylor, CEO and Co-founder of Black Luxe Candles.
She is a self-care advocate and created Black Luxe Candles in response to the stresses of life that change and affect our moods.
Brittany’s candles are given the white glove treatment from start to finish and combine luxury and lifestyle with each of their chosen scents. Each candle is hand-crafted and created in small batches and made right in Brittany’s home.
Black Luxe Candles has evolved into a sophisticated brand with rich, luxurious fragrances that sets your desired moods and calms your senses.
If you are an entrepreneur, or want to be one, then you’ll want to get the scoop on Brittany and how she’s been able to position her business during a time of uncertainty. After buying her candles and falling in love with them, I asked her if I could interview her to learn more about her secret sauce.
Brittany shared with me everything from her biggest obstacles to her biggest goals. Read on to get some tips and advice from this amazing woman and entrepreneur!
What was your inspiration for Black Luxe Candles?
Black Luxe wasn’t a business that started with the intention of being a business. I actually started Black Luxe with the purpose of providing my family Christmas gifts with mental wellness and self-care in mind. I wanted to share something hand-crafted and from the heart.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had starting your business?
One of the biggest obstacles has been believing in myself and getting out of my own way. Accepting the fact that I will have to spend large sums of money with the possibility of it not coming back right away.
How has social media played an impact in your success?
Social Media has been a huge part of why Black Luxe is continuing to grow. We were primarily a vendor show company, but when Covid-19 came all of the shows were canceled. Leaving us to pivot digitally. Our sales have doubled from using and engaging on Instagram.
What is something that most people assume about being a candlemaker?
Most people assume we don’t create our products at home or they believe that our products can be priced similar to store bought candles.
There’s a huge movement now to support Black businesses. Is this movement helping your business grow?
Yes! Our Juneteenth sale was a huge financial milestone for Black Luxe and we are still being continuously tagged by others who support the movement as well. So yes! It has assisted with growing our business.
What is your biggest business goal this year?
Honestly, my largest goal for Black Luxe was completing our largest vendor show to date in California but of course that was canceled. So now I’m on the quest for 10k in 30 days! Additionally, I would like to upgrade our labels and packaging to enhance the Black Luxe experience.
How have you been able to scale your business as it grows?
Partnering with other businesses for wholesale and private label candle offerings has taken Black Luxe to the next level. Moreover, we are now considering product expansion. We’re also looking into expanding our production facilities. Flexibility and adaptability have been key for scaling.
You recently celebrated your 500th order? How proud are you of your accomplishments thus far?
Yes, Yes! I’m so excited to have had my 500th order. To have others believe and trust in our products has meant so much to me. I truly believe people could purchase anywhere else but they chose Black Luxe and I try my hardest to deliver a quality product and exemplary customer experience.
What is your personal favorite candle scent? Why?
My personal favorite is grapefruit but it isn’t currently on the website. Haha!
But out of the current scents I would say Pink Lemonade from our summer collection. I adore citrus scents and it smells just like Pink Lemonade!! Also it really depends on my mood because each scent evokes different moods and feelings.
What is one thing you would tell a Black woman who wants to start her own business?
Research, research, and research some more but most of all take your time and build your audience. Get comfortable with using money as a tool to invest in yourself and your business. Also, surround yourself with encouraging people who are entrepreneurially where you’re trying to get to.
What’s the future look like for Black Luxe Candles?
I was laid off from my full-time job in April due to Covid-19, which has forced me into thinking on a larger scale for Black Luxe. Therefore the future for Black Luxe is more partnerships with other small businesses as well as additional product offerings. I look to also go into more retail spaces as society begins to open back up. I hope to continue to grow in the digital space but be able to provide a hybrid of in-person and digital experiences. We are looking to host our first “Candles & Conversations” LIVE viewing to start connecting with our audience on a deeper level in
You can visit Black Luxe Candle Co. on their website, Instagram, or Facebook profiles. Make sure to tell her that I sent you!
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