Today we’d like to introduce you to Lexi Brown.
Hi Lexi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am doing what I love, where I love.
I am a creative artisan and business owner creating
home décor candles locally in Saint Augustine, Florida.
I have been making candles for over six years
now and provide clean, safe and fragrant candles that
light people’s lives and add beauty to their homes.
My love for candles started as soon as I started walking
as I actually carried around a small candle for
comfort instead of a blanket or stuffed animal.
When I was nineteen, I began crafting candles with my
mom just for myself and had so many requests that it is
now an official business since 2023, and a personal
dream come true.
At my first market in 2020 I included very early
versions of two candles that are my signature candles
today. Even then, I always added a “special touch” to each
candle, whether it was a ribbon, flower, leather band or
something special. I recall for that market I upcycled a blue
ceramic bathtub and decided to add a mini duck to make it
stand out, which has transformed into the signature bathtub
candle that I offer today. The original wooden bowls were
purchased or made by a family friend, and I currently
make many of the wooden dough bowls myself with my dad.
My company name L’oil by Lexi is a play on the
word ‘Loyal’ (the L for Lexi and oil for
fragrance oils) and the color royal blue was chosen
as it stands for loyalty, the foundation of
my belief as an artisan and in life.
I hope you enjoy my candles and Stay L’oil!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I am definitely blessed to have the support of my family, friends and community which is encouraging during the struggles. As many small businesses unfortunately experience, finances and the ever-changing economy have proven to be a struggle. It has taken hard work, dedication and persistence and some sacrifice to keep going and make it work. Giving up is not an option for me when it comes to L’oil by Lexi. There were times when I studied costs and when looking at my competition, knowing that their profitability was better because their choice of candle containers being less expensive, it did make me question my product selection at times. But I believe in the quality of my products and wanted to stand true to my creations, no matter the cost or margins.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Inventing and improving, listening to my “L’oil” clients, and always adding an extra touch to each candle is what I do each day. I have two signature candle-types; bathtub candles and a variety of wooden bowl candles.
My Bathtub Candle is a showstopper and I love how it makes everyone smile. Each ceramic bathtub candle is adorned with bubbles and a mini duck or flamingo. I have also started something new where you can choose which animal you would like on your bathtub candle. It is definitely a statement piece for your home.
The variety of wooden vessels and Dough Bowl Candles are what every home desires. From smaller bedside candles to centerpiece candles, L’oil by Lexi’s wooden bowl collection offers an ideal candle for everyone. But what sets these candles apart from others is that each and every candle is adorned with a special touch, whether it be a beautifully tied ribbon, dried flowers, leather bands or something unique, I personally add something extra to each candle I create.
I love to continue creating and growing my business. I am currently making some of my wooden bowls and I have a logo brander and have started branding them as well.
I enjoy doing collabs with other artisans and I have customized candles for florists, coffee shops corporate gifts, kork inspired products, comic and music stores, museums, community events, weddings, churches and provide specialty candles and gift baskets for various holidays. But my heart is with my signature candles, the soul of the home décor candles that I create daily.
Note: L’oil by Lexi candles are lovingly created with all-natural organic soy. L’oil by Lexi uses fragrance
oils that are IFRA certified, phthalate free, SLS + SLES free, paraben free, vegan and not tested on animals
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I frequently research trends in small business, women-owned businesses and in life. A vendor friend of my recommended an informative podcast for small businesses, Alex Hormozi – The Game, and he shares such great entrepreneurial ideas. Other podcasts that have been motivating are YAP (Young and Profiting) and Shopify Masters sharing real stories and strategies for business owners. From a personal perspective, I listen to devotions from the inspiring Dr. Tony Evans, who was the long-time chaplain for the Dallas Cowboys and is my mother’s favorite, so we have listened to him together for years. He encourages me daily not to focus on past failures and reminds me that I have purpose. I feel very blessed to be able to touch lives in a small way with my candles to provide a light in their day.
Pricing:
- L’oil by Lexi offers a variety of candles providing a large price range to provide options for everyone
Contact Info:
- Instagram: loilbylexi
- Facebook: loilbylexi
