Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angelo Flowers. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Angelo, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
Being the only one in the room has been a familiar experience throughout my life and career. It can be isolating at times, but it has also shaped how I move with intention and confidence. I’ve learned that my presence is powerful, even when it feels uncomfortable. I no longer shrink myself to fit in; instead, I let my work, my integrity, and my creativity speak for me.
As a Black, gay business owner, I carry a deep sense of pride and responsibility. Representation matters. Every time I walk into a space, collaborate with another creator, or see someone discover Spoony Candle Co. for the first time, I know that I’m expanding what’s possible for someone else who may be watching quietly from the sidelines.
Effectiveness, for me, comes from authenticity. I’ve found success by being clear about my values — craftsmanship, care, and community — and allowing those principles to guide my decisions. I don’t chase trends or validation; I build relationships rooted in trust and consistency. When you’re the only one in the room, you learn that your perspective is not a limitation but a strength. It allows you to see things differently, to create differently, and to lead with empathy.
What keeps me grounded is knowing that visibility itself can be transformative. If my presence or my work helps even one person feel seen, inspired, or capable of creating something of their own, then I’ve done my job well beyond candles.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Spoony Candle Co., I handcraft candles and wax melts designed to bring calm, connection, and intention into everyday spaces. What excites me most about what I do is how something as simple as scent can shift an entire mood — it can soften a room, spark a memory, or create a ritual that reminds you to slow down. Every fragrance I design starts with that idea in mind: how do I want someone to feel when they light this candle?
What makes Spoony Candle Co. special is that it’s personal. I pour, label, and package everything by hand, and I think that care comes through in the final product. Each collection is a reflection of life’s small but meaningful moments — a Sunday morning read, a quiet reset after work, or a scent that feels like home. I’m intentional about every detail, from the wax blend and fragrance notes to the clean, timeless design that lets the experience speak for itself.
As a Black, gay-owned business, representation and visibility are woven into my brand’s DNA. Spoony Candle Co. is about more than candles; it’s about creating space for softness and self-expression, especially for those of us who don’t always see ourselves reflected in wellness and lifestyle spaces.
I’m especially excited about our Fall Collection, which launched in September. It features four new scents inspired by warmth, nostalgia, and reflection — everything I love about this time of year. It’s the season that always feels like a fresh start, and I can’t wait to share that energy with our community.
My hope is that people who discover Spoony Candle Co. feel something genuine — that they see a brand built on artistry, heart, and intention. I want every product to serve as a small reminder to create moments of peace and joy, even in the middle of a busy day.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been curiosity, consistency, and authenticity.
Curiosity kept me learning when I didn’t have all the answers. When I started, I didn’t come from a background in product design or chemistry — I had to teach myself everything from wick testing to fragrance formulation. I stayed open to the process, asked questions, and treated every mistake as a chance to learn. For anyone starting out, don’t wait to feel like an expert before you begin. Curiosity is what will carry you through the unknown.
Consistency built trust — both with my customers and with myself. In the beginning, it’s easy to feel discouraged when growth is slow or when a launch doesn’t go as planned. I learned to keep showing up anyway: to pour, post, and create even when no one seemed to be watching. That steady rhythm is what turns a hobby into a business and an idea into a brand.
And finally, authenticity has been my compass. As a Black, gay creative, I’ve learned that staying true to who I am — even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me — is one of my greatest strengths. It’s what connects me to my community and shapes the heart of Spoony Candle Co. My advice is to build something that feels like you. People can sense when your work comes from a genuine place, and that’s what creates lasting connection.
No matter your craft or industry, keep learning, stay consistent, and lead with who you are. Those three qualities will take you further than any shortcut ever could.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Over the past year, my biggest area of growth has been learning to slow down and lead my business with more intention. In the early days, I was doing everything at once — pouring candles, creating content, fulfilling orders, building the website, and trying to grow on social media. I equated movement with progress. But what I’ve learned is that sustainability comes from clarity, not constant motion.
I’ve become more strategic about how I spend my time and what I say yes to. Instead of chasing every new idea, I focus on alignment — whether a new scent, collaboration, or piece of content truly reflects the heart of Spoony Candle Co. That shift has allowed me to create more meaningful work and build deeper connections with my community.
As a Black, gay small-business owner, I’ve also grown in trusting my own voice and vision. There’s power in running a business that reflects who you are without apology. I’ve learned that visibility, even in small ways, is a form of advocacy. Every candle, story, or collaboration that centers care and creativity is part of that growth.
This past year has been about refinement — working smarter, staying rooted in my purpose, and allowing space for the brand and myself to evolve with grace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spoonycandleco.com
- Instagram: @spoonycandleco
- Facebook: Spoony Candle Co.
- Other: TikTok: @spoonycandleco
Image Credits
Angelo Flowers
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