We recently connected with Adriana Cicero-Oringi and have shared our conversation below.

Adriana , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Yes, I absolutely take vacations and just as importantly, I prioritize rest. As a business owner, I’ve learned that stepping away is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether it’s a full vacation or simply unplugging for a few days, creating intentional space to recharge helps me show up with more clarity and creativity when I return.

My advice for fellow entrepreneurs: build systems and boundaries that allow you to step away. Trust your workflow, schedule breaks just like meetings, and remember you didn’t build your business to burn out. You built it for freedom. Prioritize it.

Adriana , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hi! I’m Adriana, the founder of The Age Edit and Melanated Candle Co. two platforms rooted in wellness, intentional living, and empowerment. At my core, I’m a storyteller, creator, and advocate who believes that women deserve to live well, earn well, and rest well without apology.

My journey started out of both passion and necessity. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I made the decision to prioritize my health and live more intentionally. The Age Edit is a digital space where I share honest glimpses into tiny home living, sustainable DIY projects, wellness tools, and financial empowerment especially for women and women of color. I want people to know they can build a beautiful, abundant life at any age or stage.

Alongside The Age Edit, I co-run Melanated Candle Co., a handcrafted candle brand I started with my bestie, Jasmine Nolen four years ago. Each candle is small-batch, eco-conscious, and rooted in storytelling. Created to bring comfort, intention, and joy into people’s homes. It’s more than fragrance it’s a vibe, a memory, a ritual. Our brand is proudly Black woman-owned and community-driven, and I’m so proud of the space we’ve carved out in the wellness and home fragrance space.

Whether I’m creating digital content, launching new candle collections, or working with brands, I’m always thinking about how I can be of service to my audience. I solve problems by showing people how to simplify, how to build with what they have, and how to create joy in the everyday. What sets me apart is that I live what I share my platforms aren’t aspirational, they’re relatable. I’m proud to show up with transparency, creativity, and heart.

At the end of the day, I want people to know that you don’t have to wait to be “ready” to live the life you want. You can edit your life at any moment. Whether it’s through a candle that helps you unwind or a post that helps you feel seen, I’m here to remind you that wellness and abundance belong to *you*, too.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Jasmine Nolen, my co-founder and best friend, and I actually grew up in the same hometown and knew of each other but it wasn’t until college that we truly connected and became close. Our bond deepened over shared values, long talks, and a love for creating meaningful experiences. Over five years later, that friendship evolved into something even more special when we launched *Melanated Candle Co. a brand built on intention, storytelling, and the kind of sisterhood that can turn a spark into a whole flame.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theageedit.com | www.melantedcandleco.com
• Instagram: @theageedit @melanatedcandleco
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianaacicero/

Image Credits

@thecontentdiary