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

Hi Alexia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for my business actually started in the most unexpected way — through Pinterest. I used to spend hours scrolling, getting inspired by all the cozy, creative, and eco-friendly things people were making. Something about that world of handmade, intentional living really spoke to me. It made me think, “Why can’t I do this too?”

At the time, I was craving something more — I wanted to be my own boss and create something that reflected me: gentle, kind, and thoughtful. I’ve always loved candles and home scents, and one day it just clicked — I could make my own. Not only that, but I could make them eco-friendly, using clean, sustainable ingredients and packaging that was minimal, natural, and kind to the planet.

When I started brainstorming names, I wanted something that felt soft and heartfelt. I remember sitting there, typing different ideas into Etsy, trying to find something that truly fit. And then it came to me — Hello Sweet & Gentle.
It just felt right.
“Sweet” represented the warmth and kindness behind everything I create, and “Gentle” reflected my eco-conscious approach — gentle on the earth, gentle in spirit, gentle in design.

Starting out wasn’t easy. I had my share of doubts and failed moments where I questioned if it would ever take off. But even in those moments, I reminded myself that every small step is still progress. I’m still growing, learning, and improving along the way — and I know that this journey is shaping not just my business, but me as a person.

Hello Sweet & Gentle is more than just a small shop to me — it’s a reflection of patience, creativity, and care. It’s my way of sharing a little piece of calm and kindness with others, one product at a time.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Hi, I’m Alexia — a content creator, small business owner, and dog mom with a passion for living gently, creating intentionally, and spreading a little bit of warmth wherever I can. I’m the founder of Hello Sweet & Gentle, an eco-friendly lifestyle brand built on the belief that kindness, sustainability, and simplicity can go hand in hand.

My journey into this world started in a very organic way — through curiosity and inspiration. I’ve always loved candles, home scents, and natural self-care, and one day while scrolling through Pinterest, I found myself fascinated by all the handmade creations people were sharing. That’s when I had the realization: I could do this too. I wanted to build something that represented who I am — sweet in spirit, gentle in approach, and conscious of the earth.

So, I began experimenting with eco-friendly candles, wax melts, and room sprays, focusing on creating products that make people feel calm, cozy, and cared for, without harming the planet. From there, Hello Sweet & Gentle grew to include handmade lip balms, tea lights, and mini canvas bags — all packaged with love and minimal waste. Every item is designed to bring a touch of peace and positivity into someone’s day.

What truly sets my brand apart is the intention behind it. I don’t just sell products — I create experiences that remind people to slow down and take a breath. My materials are eco-conscious, my process is small-batch and hands-on, and my goal is to inspire more mindful living through simplicity and sustainability.

Like any small business, my journey has had its share of challenges. There have been moments of doubt and trial, but each step — even the hard ones — has taught me something valuable. I’m most proud of how far I’ve come: building this business from the ground up, staying true to my values, and connecting with people who genuinely appreciate handmade, eco-friendly products.

At the heart of Hello Sweet & Gentle is kindness— for people, for the planet, and for ourselves. I want my customers and followers to know that this brand isn’t just about selling; it’s about sharing light. Whether it’s through a softly scented candle, a soothing room spray, or a gentle reminder to take care of yourself, everything I create is meant to make life a little brighter and a little gentler.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what’s helped me build my reputation the most has been authenticity and consistency. From the beginning, I made a promise to myself that Hello Sweet & Gentle would always stay true to what it represents — kindness, simplicity, and care for both people and the planet.

Everything I create is done with intention — from the ingredients I choose to the way I package each order. I take time to make sure my products are not just eco-friendly, but also thoughtful and aesthetically calming. That attention to detail really resonates with people who value quality over quantity.

Another thing that’s helped is showing the real, behind-the-scenes side of being a small business owner. I don’t try to make everything look perfect — I share the process, the lessons, and even the challenges. People connect with that honesty, and I think it helps them see the heart behind the brand.

And honestly, word of mouth and community support have been huge. Customers who love what I do often share it with their friends or family, and that organic growth means so much to me.
At the end of the day, I think my reputation comes from staying true to my values: being authentic, gentle, and genuine in every aspect of my work — and letting that speak louder than anything else.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that everything has to happen fast — that success should come quickly or that growth should always be visible right away.

When I first started Hello Sweet & Gentle, I put a lot of pressure on myself to see immediate results. I’d compare my progress to bigger brands or other small businesses on social media and start wondering if I was doing something wrong because I wasn’t getting constant sales or attention. It made me question my worth and the value of what I was building.

But over time, I realized that building something meaningful takes time, patience, and faith. Slow growth isn’t failure — it’s a foundation. Each quiet season, each small order, and even each “failed” idea taught me something important about consistency, creativity, and resilience.

I had to unlearn the mindset that everything needed to be perfect or instant. Instead, I learned to trust the process, to focus on the quality of what I’m creating rather than chasing quick results. Because when your work comes from love and intention, it naturally finds its audience — it just takes time.

That shift in mindset changed everything for me. Now I celebrate progress in all its forms — big or small — and I remind myself that growth, just like life, is meant to be steady, rooted, and gentle.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hellosweetandgentle.myshopify.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italexia/ https://www.instagram.com/hellosweetandgentle/

Image Credits

hellosweetandgentle