Founded in 2024 by former nurse Jacqueline Greer, A Hot Mess Candle Co. is a home fragrance brand rooted in culture, nostalgia, and unapologetic creativity. Greer has turned her creative outlet during burnout season into a full-fledged sensory movement designed to honor Black stories and spark conversations, one fragrant experience at a time.
Based in Frisco, Texas, the brand offers handcrafted candles, nostalgic wax melts, and culturally inspired resin art holders through its signature collections: No Mess, A Hot Mess, and Hot Luxe. Every product is intentionally crafted to blend scent with storytelling, from candles that smell like grandma’s house to resin art shaped like Africa, to products inspired by iconic Black films and music.
A Hot Mess Candle Co. is fortifying its legacy. Through its “Bless the Mess” initiative, the company is committed to reinvesting in the communities that shaped it—because at A Hot Mess Candle Co. Every design choice is made with cultural meaning and personal connection in mind. They’re about how it feels, what it represents, and who it’s for.
One standout moment? Being named a Top 10 finalist in the Famous Amos Ingredients for Success grant, out of over 4,000 applicants. For Greer, that recognition was a powerful reminder that her vision mattered. Looking ahead, the brand is expanding into incense, room sprays, and car fresheners, building a lifestyle experience that travels with you.
Greer’s advice for other Black women entrepreneurs: “You don’t have to follow the rules to succeed—you just have to be consistent, creative, and committed to your vision. Trust the process, but bet on you. Every time.”
Visit ahotmesscandle.com to explore a fragrance experience that centers us—because scent, like culture, should be felt, seen, and celebrated.
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These three Black Woman Owned furniture and interior design companies brought their imaginations to life and are now bringing new energy into your homes! Meet, Almond Wind, O & Company Interiors, and Savannah Space in the listicle below. While Almond Wind and O & Company Interiors are based in the US, Savannah Space is based in Kenya and ships internationally. Be sure to browse through all their collections and shop Black Woman Owned when ready!
Almond Wind – Almond Wind was created to fill the void of diversity in the furniture space. They’re all about creating cozy, chic spaces that make you feel like you’re living in a Pinterest board—minus the pressure to keep everything perfectly staged.
O & Company Interiors – O & Company Interiors is committed to offering a unique blend of high-quality, soulfully resonant decor solutions. Their goal is to empower individuals to create sanctuaries that speak to their true essence.
Savannah Space – Savannah Space celebrates the vibrancy and beauty of Kenya by curating and creating high-quality and unique pieces for the home. They work with multiple artisans around the country to bring fun and eclectic furniture and home decor to clients.
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Sawdust and ambition filled a cozy Cincinnati studio apartment when D.W., an engineer by training, picked up her first piece of wood. With no formal woodworking background and barely enough room for a table saw, she carved out her first pieces of artwork and a new lane. Drills & Dremals began as a creative experiment in a tight space and has evolved into a growing collection of custom wood pieces that reflect the art and craftsmanship of D.W.
Every piece is made by hand, designed to serve both form and function. Suitable enough for your kitchen or café, Drills & Dremals offers clients intention, and a real story behind the grain. “Woodworking is where imagination meets skill,” says D.W. “With persistence and open-mindedness, I’ve learned I can create anything.”
As a Black woman moving through a male-dominated field, she’s committed to building products and pathways. Her mission is to make Drills & Dremals a household name that gives back generously and champions visibility for young women exploring careers in trades.
Her advice to Black women entrepreneurs? “Never give up, even when it’s hard. Even when you’re the only one who looks like you. It never gets easier, but the rewards are worth the sacrifices.”
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Legacy. Artistry. Impact. Rhonnika Clifton turned her passion for color, texture, and transformation into a thriving business. What started in 2006 as Decorator Diva has grown into R J Clifton Designs, a full-service interior design powerhouse redefining spaces across the country.
At R J Clifton Designs, beauty meets function in bold, eclectic, and timeless ways. Rhonnika believes great design should feel personal, not just polished. Her team seamlessly blends creativity with expert craftsmanship, handling everything from initial concept to final installation. Their turnkey approach? A game-changer—saving clients time, money, and stress while bringing visions to life. Specializing in high-end residential, boutique commercial (under 2,500 sq. ft.), and real estate development projects, they curate spaces that enhance both lifestyle and business success.
Beyond design, Rhonnika is building a legacy of mentorship and education. Through Creative Conversations, LLC, she’s creating programming that will open doors for Black design professionals and everyday consumers alike, providing access to knowledge, community, and growth. Her industry impact was cemented in 2024 with the High Point Market Authority Diversity Advocacy Alliance Mentorship Award—recognition of her commitment to pushing boundaries and fostering inclusivity.
Her advice? Stay true to yourself. “Success isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about embracing your strengths, being honest about your weaknesses, and allowing yourself to grow.”
Ready to transform your space with intention and artistry? Visit rjcliftondesigns.com to schedule a complimentary 15-minute Discovery Call.
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EARL is a family owned and operated furniture and housewares company. We create original and handmade furniture, ceramic, and table top pieces out of our home here in North Hollywood, California.
