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Today we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Jackson
Hi Hannah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Acquired Taste started as a personal journey rooted in expressing my acquired taste. Since moving to Austin, incense reminded me of home. Finally having my own space, I was able to light it as much as I wanted. Every time I visited New York, I’d ask my dad to take me to the stores he bought his incense from so I could bring some back to Austin.
One day, while driving, I had a realization—people express themselves in so many ways, from the clothes they wear to the music they listen to, yet incense holders were often overlooked as a form of self-expression. That’s when it clicked. I decided to create incense stick holders that weren’t just functional but felt personal—pieces that reflected individuality and fit seamlessly into someone’s space and style.
Since launching in March 2024, Acquired Taste has grown through word-of-mouth, community connections, and retail partnerships. More than anything, this journey has been about helping people discover an incense experience that feels personal, expressive, and aligned with their own acquired taste.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s part of what makes the journey meaningful. I’m doing everything—handcrafting the holders, handling packaging, marketing, selling at markets, and fulfilling orders—while also working a full-time job. Finding balance is one of the biggest challenges, especially as my business grows.
Another challenge is navigating the transition from selling mainly at markets to expanding into retail and online sales. At markets, I can connect with customers in person, let them see and feel my work, and tell the story behind it. Translating that same connection to an online space takes a different approach. I have to be intentional about how I communicate my brand so people understand what makes Acquired Taste special, even if they’ve never seen my work in person.
Scaling while staying true to my vision is also something I think about constantly. I want my holders to feel personal and handcrafted, not mass-produced, so I’m always finding ways to grow without losing the essence of what makes Acquired Taste unique.
Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every struggle is a lesson, and every small win reminds me why I started in the first place.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I handcraft incense holders that are more than just functional—they’re a form of self-expression. Acquired Taste is all about creating pieces that feel personal and intentional, allowing people to showcase their own acquired taste in their space.
What sets my work apart is the thoughtfulness behind each design. I don’t just make incense holders—I create pieces that evoke nostalgia, spark conversation, and fit seamlessly into someone’s lifestyle. Whether it’s a sneaker, a mushroom, or a cassette tape, every holder is designed to feel like an extension of the person using it.
I’m most proud of the moments when customers tell me my work resonates with them on a deeper level. When someone shares that a scent brought back a specific memory or that they finally found an incense holder that fits their style, it reminds me why I do this. Acquired Taste isn’t just about burning incense—it’s about creating moments that feel intentional, personal, and expressive.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is creating something that feels personal—both to me and to the people who bring my work into their space. Acquired Taste isn’t just about incense holders; it’s about self-expression, nostalgia, and making small moments feel meaningful. I want people to see my pieces and feel like they belong in their space, like they reflect their acquired taste.
Why? Because I know what it’s like to search for something that feels like you and not find it. That’s why I started this journey—to create pieces that aren’t just functional but feel intentional, thoughtful, and personal. Seeing people connect with my work in their own way is what makes this all worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://acquiredtaste.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acquiredtaste.me/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/acquiredtaste.me
Image Credits
Photographer – Yellow Cup Film