Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kamari Brownlow. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kamari, thanks for joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Once I had a clear understanding of what I needed, asking family and friends for support was a lot easier. They proved to be great resources for me, and I am incredibly grateful. They offered valuable feedback, helped get the word out about the business, purchased products and helped me land collaboration deals as well. Having the support of family and friends is invaluable; especially, when you’re starting a small business on your own. I can absolutely say that without the help of family and friends my business would look a lot different.

Kamari, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Most definitely! My name is Kamari. My brand, Amora Design Studio is both a dedication to and a manifestation of my love for wellness and home essentials. In the early months of the pandemic, I depleted my personal home fragrance collection and thought it would be fun to DIY a candle for my self-care Sunday routine. I purchased a candle-making kit and completely fell in love with the process. So, I researched the topic a bit further and quickly learned that many candles are made with paraffin wax and artificial fragrances. Realizing that these ingredients release toxins into the air, which can be harmful for us, and our pets, was a pivotal moment. I set out on a mission to design a home fragrance collection made with conscious ingredients, and to share helpful tips about candles and candle care. Amora Design Studio candles are hand crafted with premium all-natural soy, certified clean fragrances and deliver up to 50 hours of burn time. Some of the candles are enhanced with natural crystals, which serve as a keepsake once the candle is fully burned. I am incredibly proud to say our candles are also free of paraffins, parabens and phthalates. In addition to a selection of candles, we are days away from offering blankets, pillows and other home decor items, as well. It’s a really exciting time!

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Love this question! As a small business owner, I’ve had to “unlearn” a few things, but the first thing that comes to mind is unlearning the idea that you are your customer. The products I curate, and source are not for me. They are designed with a specific person in mind…the customer/client. So, my personal preferences are not the end all be all. The backstory there is, I curated a candle for a loved one who wanted a more masculine scent than my collection offered at the time. I personally was not a huge fan of the scent, but she absolutely loved it. We debated heavily over it, and I created some samples to give to friends, family and co-workers. I had enough positive feedback that I decided to make a batch of 20 for sale. To my surprise, the candle not only sold out, but it ended up being one of my top-sellers. To this day, customers buy this scent in bulk, repeatedly! …And to think I had no intention of adding it to the collection at all.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely! I have learned pivoting is an extension of conscious self-care. I don’t force myself to show up in spaces when/where I don’t have the capacity to show up. I pivot however I need, as long and as often as I need. This Spring, after my bonus-mom passed away suddenly, I found myself paralyzed by grief. I was angry, sad and uninspired. I stepped away and gave myself permission to do some restful healing instead. It wasn’t easy, but it was the best thing I could have done for myself, which was the best thing for those around me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.amoradesignstudio.com
• Instagram: @theamoradesignstudio
• Facebook: @itstheamoradesignstudio

Image Credits
All photo credits: Kamari Brownlow/Amora Design Studio