Alicea Moore is the Founder and CEO of Alice. A. Candle Co, a home fragrance and candle company. Alice. A. Candle Co. was founded with a mission to inspire and empower women to become their most noble selves and practice self-care.
What is Alice. A. Candle Co. all about?
Alicea. A. Candle Co. is a luxury home fragrance and candle company. All of our products are hand-poured with love in Atlanta, Georgia. Alice. A. is on a mission to inspire and empower women to become their most noble selves. Our products promote self-care and are all uniquely named to uplift all who use them.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I have always had a passion for all things business and entrepreneurship. It definitely feels like I was always destined to start my own business. I have previously worked for other start-up companies assisting them in all things from administration, social media management, to direct sales. During that time I took a lot of mental notes on everything that was happening in regards to running a company. Even the worst of experiences taught me the do’s and don’t of owning and operating a small business.
The idea to start my company was something that I pondered for a while before taking the necessary steps to actually make it happen. I worked job after job searching for a sense of fulfillment and purpose in my work. I have worked in technology, healthcare, and the retail industries to name a few. I quickly realized that I was right about my instincts and nothing was going to bring me satisfaction like running my own company. I knew it was time to seriously go down the path to entrepreneurship.
Without any knowledge of the coming pandemic, I went to work developing and building my brand. One month before launch I lost my job due to the pandemic. I launched Alice. A. Candle Co. in May of 2020 at 7 months pregnant during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
How do you plan to grow this business?
I plan to grow Alice. A. Candle Co. to become a household name in the home fragrance industry. Every single candle I sell brings me one step closer to this goal.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
I separate myself from my competitors by building a community. I believe that especially in these times consumers are not looking to buy from just brands but people. They want the companies that they spend their hard earned dollars to care about the same issues they do, to share similar values, and to have a purpose behind their brand. I’m not just some company that sells candles that smell good. I take the time to pour each batch, I speak life into my products, and I continuously work to inspire those that are following my journey. People aren’t just connecting with a brand they’re connecting with my story and my mission to inspire women to uplift themselves and those around them.
What is one thing that you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
Every day I’m constantly reading, learning, and restrategizing. Being an entrepreneur is an exponential journey. No matter how big your company gets, or how long you’ve been running it there is always information you can learn. It’s so important to stay current and present with the times especially in the business world. Technology is changing, shopping trends are changing, and consumers mirror that in the way that they make purchases. It’s my job to stay up to date and “keep it fresh” for my customers.
What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?
My most effective marketing strategy has been Social Media, specifically Instagram. People like to have a sense of belonging and community. My company social media exists as a space for me to showcase my process and allow people to follow me on my candle making journey. I share candle making videos, inspirational quotes, brand updates, and more.
If you only had $1000 dollars to start a new business, knowing everything you know now, how would you spend it?
I would spend at least half of that money on marketing towards my target audience. It’s imperative that you have a specific group of people you’re trying to sell to. No matter what your product or service is you can’t sell it to everyone. So, taking the time and financial resources to invest in your niche market will set your business up for success.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?
For anyone looking to become an entrepreneur, I would encourage you to never give up on your belief. If you don’t believe in your brand no one else will. Your disbelief and uncertainty will trickle down in your work and your customers will see it and feel it. Your belief should motivate and drive you to carry out your vision. One of the biggest components to becoming a successful entrepreneur is keeping your thinking in alignment. It allows you to stay grounded even as you face the largest of obstacles.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is:
“Sometimes life is about risking everything for a dream no one can see but you.”
– Anonymous
How can we get in touch with you?
I can be reached at my company website Aliceacandleco.com, On Instagram Facebook or by email at info@aliceacandleco.com
Founder Interview: Danielle Paulo of Creative Haus – An All-Female Marketing Agency
