Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexandria Gomez.
Hi Alexandria, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Sure! I’m Alex, the owner of Wickerland Candle Co., and I believe in the primitive power of scent to immerse both our senses and our minds… I believe in its ability to heal and soothe – I believe in its ability to capture the essence of a memory and most of all, I believe in its ability to transport us into the place, feeling, or atmosphere we desire the most.
I started making candles in late 2019 with just a pouring pitcher and an old pot. Making candles allowed me a creative outlet where I could combine my love for science and art. I loved the juxtaposition of being both mad-scientist and struggling artist.
I hand-make each soy candle, specializing in aromatherapy and “destination” scents. All Wickerland candles are “clean scents,” meaning they are non-toxic (no carcinogens, no mutagens, no reproductive toxins, no organ toxins, no acute toxins). Over time, I began adding other all-natural and vegan products like bath salts, sugar scrubs, and massage oil candles. In an effort to be more eco-friendly, I moved away from styrofoam packing materials and began using biodegradable packing peanuts.
As an avid supporter of women’s empowerment groups, I created ‘The Tribe’ candle – where 30% of proceeds from each sale go to the customer’s choice of either: To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), or Girls Inc. Most recently, Wickerland Candle Co. was featured in BuzzFeed’s “Just 36 Things That Basically Scream: Spring is Here!”. While I do not have a storefront, my candles can be found at From the Heart Gallery in Galveston, TX, on Esty, where I have a growing repeat customer base, or at the monthly Montrose Makers Market in Houston, TX.
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?
The challenge of starting a small business is getting the word out there. I had limited funds for supplies, shipping, and products – advertising just wasn’t an option. I had to learn to be creative with my social media posts and learned, over time, how to best engage with my audience and get their attention.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My business is very much a true reflection of who I am. I am a lover of science – candle making can be much like mixing chemicals in a lab – you must have the correct measurement, the right heat, a precise pouring temperature, etc. I also have a natural artistic side. I enjoy elements of design, crafting, and creating. I like for anything I touch to tell a story. And so, my candles are all designed with flowers and herbs, or other items that correlate with the scent. Each scent design is curated to fit its title. Lastly, I believe we are each responsible for living as sustainably as we can; I now ship my products using biodegradable packing peanuts – a more costly expense, but one I see as my civic duty.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Somethings think to back to when I almost “didn’t” do this. How easy it would have been to continue living my life the way it was. One small decision creates a domino effect. I have seen the impact of that small “yes” – and how it changed my life.
I didn’t know if I was going to be successful. I didn’t know if anyone was going to like my products. I didn’t even know if I had the ability to juggle a full-time job, being a single mom, and starting a business… but I couldn’t ignore that feeling in the pit of my stomach. I knew, without a doubt, that I could do this. I risked it all (and by “all” I mean the measly $700 I had in savings) and told myself that I would build an empire with it.
If I can do it, anyone can.
Contact Info:
- Email: wickerlandcandleco@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WickerlandCandleCo
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wickerland.candle.co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wickerlandcandleco
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@alex_in_wickerland
