Rising Stars: Meet Alaina Morris

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alaina Morris.

Hi Alaina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Ever since I was a young girl, I have been into crafting and figuring out how to create things on my own. I enjoy the learning process and the proud “I made that” feeling you get when your product is finished.

Over the past few years, I started making my own candles. It has been a journey of learning and I continue to perfect my process every day. I started giving some of my candles as gifts, from there I started getting requests to make them for friends and family. My hairstylist loved her candle so much she invited me to sell them at her salon and the interest has continued to grow.

Covid-19 brought a strange change of pace for everyone and like many others, I lost my full-time job. In my newly found free time, I reflected on who I am, what I wanted to do and what motivates me. It is very clear to me now that I am a creative. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was painting, candle making, planting, and baking. If I look back even when I was so busy at work, I always made time to make candles or doing something creative.

The response to my candles during the pandemic was overwhelming, neighbors, friends and more people started buying my candles. I now have an Etsy page and sell at many local markets. I have a retail presence in multiple salons, bakeries and in the Marriott’s loaf & vine coffee shop in downtown Austin.

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?
Marketing and selling candles isn’t always easy. There is so much competition and I really had to focus on what made my product different. I believe that candles are a full sensory experience. Your memories and emotions are tied to scent and I try to focus on creating a product that creates a positive light in your world.

In building a brand, it is hard and trying to find my niche without falling into traps of trends. Establishing partnerships in the community is challenging, you have to get brand awareness out there and have an understanding of what sells.

Making candles may look pretty simple but it is truly a science. Every container and fragrance is hand-selected and tested. I often find myself finding myself in an analysis paralysis situation, second-guessing or wondering if a certain fragrance or vessel will be popular in the market. When this happens, I have learned to trust my gut, and anything that doesn’t work gives me knowledge on how to move forward and what to do in the future.

Being an entrepreneur has been a huge learning experience for me. I am the one woman show. It is challenging to effectively facilitate and execute all aspects of the business; analytics, R&D, creation and marketing. I am constantly adapting and reminding myself to stay positive in the face of adversity.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My goal is to “feed your senses” I want to create products that not only smell great but they look beautiful.

All of my candles are currently made with 100% soy wax and clean fragrance oils. I blend many of my signature fragrance oils myself. I love a new fragrance and you will see that I launch many new scent options.

I try to find vessels that are unique and will go with your home esthetic. I have tried and true options as well as seasonal or limited edition vessels.

Any big plans?
I look to grow this to a lifestyle brand. I am working on new product lines including skincare, home care products as well as decor items.

Coming soon for candles, I will have un-scented prayer candles, beeswax pillar and taper candles.

In the fall, I will be launching my website and I am so excited to see the outcome.

Pricing:

• Candle Pricing ranges from $16- $50

Contact Info:

• Email: alainanco5@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AlainaAndCo
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainaandcompany/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alainaandcompany-105330167891916/