Meet Adrienne Bass

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adrienne Bass. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adrienne below.

Hi Adrienne , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room that looks like me has been both a challenge and an opportunity. I’ve learned to turn it into a strength by embracing my individuality and using it to bring fresh perspectives and ideas. For example, in my candle business, I create soy wax candles inspired by desserts and food, and I’ve added a unique twist—decorative candles that reveal hidden mental health messages. This idea stems from my personal values and lived experiences, which help me connect with others on a deeper level.

When I’m in spaces where I’m underrepresented, I focus on being authentic, confident in my expertise, and open to learning. I’ve also developed strong communication skills and built resilience by advocating for my ideas and ensuring my voice is heard. It’s important to me to set an example for others who may face similar situations, showing them that it’s possible to thrive while staying true to yourself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey! I am the founder of a unique candle business that combines creativity, self-care, and advocacy. My candles are made with 100% soy wax and are inspired by desserts and foods, which makes them both visually appealing and aromatic. What truly sets my brand apart, though, is the hidden mental health message stickers in my decorative candles. Once the candle burns down, it reveals an uplifting message in a bottle—an intentional reminder of the importance of mental health and self-care.

The most exciting part of what I do is seeing how my candles resonate with people. Customers often tell me how much joy they feel discovering the hidden messages or how a certain fragrance reminds them of a cherished memory. That connection is what drives me to keep creating.

Right now, I’m focused on growing my business through candle-making workshops where people can experience the joy of crafting their own candles, learning the process, and expressing their creativity. I’m also thrilled to introduce new seasonal scents, like our Blueberry Cobbler and Espresso Martini candles, which have been huge hits with customers.

Ultimately, my mission is to create products that not only bring warmth and beauty to people’s spaces but also foster meaningful conversations around mental health.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are creativity, resilience, and empathy.

1. Creativity: As a candle maker, creativity is at the heart of everything I do—whether it’s designing dessert-inspired candles or incorporating hidden mental health messages. Creativity isn’t just about artistry; it’s also about problem-solving and finding unique ways to connect with others. For those just starting out, my advice is to embrace inspiration from unexpected places and let your passions guide you. Experiment, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box.
2. Resilience: Being a Black woman entrepreneur hasn’t always been easy. There have been moments of doubt and challenges that made me question my path. Resilience has helped me push forward, learn from setbacks, and grow stronger. To build resilience, focus on your why—your mission and goals—and surround yourself with a supportive community. Celebrate small wins along the way, as they fuel your perseverance.
3. Empathy: Incorporating mental health messages into my candles comes from a place of deep empathy. Understanding the needs of others and creating something that speaks to them has been pivotal in building my brand. For anyone starting their journey, I’d encourage listening to your audience or community and looking for ways to add value that genuinely aligns with their needs.

Ultimately, stay committed to continuous learning. Take courses, seek mentors, and remember that every step—big or small—brings you closer to your goals.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, I’m absolutely open to collaborations and partnerships! I’m always looking for opportunities to work with like-minded individuals and organizations who share a passion for creativity, mental health advocacy, and unique, meaningful products.

Specifically, I’d love to partner with:

• Mental health organizations or advocates to create candles that align with their mission, raise awareness, or support fundraising initiatives.
• Small businesses such as coffee shops, bakeries, or boutiques that would love to carry exclusive candle designs inspired by their brand or theme.
• Event planners interested in incorporating my candles or hosting candle-making workshops as part of their events.
• Artists and creatives who want to collaborate on limited-edition designs or collections.

If this resonates with you and you’re interested in collaborating, you can connect with me via email at info@wickhausco.com or through my social media channels at @wick_hausco. I’d love to hear your ideas and explore how we can work together to create something beautiful and impactful!

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