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

Grace, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

At ALGStudioStore, our mission is to elevate self-care into an art form by offering personalized, luxurious gift sets that promote relaxation, well-being, and connection. We believe that self-care should be more than a routine—it should be an experience that nourishes both the body and soul. Every product we create, from our eco-friendly soy candles to our custom spa gift boxes, is thoughtfully designed to inspire moments of peace and rejuvenation.

What sets ALGStudioStore apart is our deep commitment to personalization and customer care. We listen to the unique needs and preferences of each client, creating one-of-a-kind gifts that celebrate life’s most meaningful moments—whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, bridal proposal, or simply a well-deserved moment of self-love. Our mission is not only to deliver high-quality products but to craft experiences that foster connection, support emotional wellness, and make the everyday feel extraordinary. Through ALGStudioStore, we strive to bring warmth, comfort, and a sense of mindfulness to every customer we serve.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the founder of ALGStudioStore and ALGelysianFlamesCo, and my journey into this business was born out of a passion for wellness, creativity, and the desire to bring a sense of comfort and joy to people’s lives. I’ve always believed in the power of self-care and the simple yet profound effects it can have on one’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Over time, this belief evolved into creating personalized self-care gift sets, candles, and luxury wellness products designed to elevate everyday routines into moments of serenity.

What initially began as a small venture quickly grew as I realized how much joy I found in crafting products that genuinely helped others relax, unwind, and feel appreciated. From curated spa gift boxes for anniversaries or bridal proposals to luxurious soy candles for cozy evenings, I wanted to provide customers with thoughtful, high-quality products that are not only beautiful but functional and nurturing.

One of the unique aspects of my business is the level of personalization we offer. I listen closely to my clients’ needs, whether they are looking for a one-of-a-kind self-care gift for someone special or a custom wellness kit for their own relaxation. This focus on personalization ensures that each gift set or candle feels unique and meaningful. Additionally, I take pride in the eco-friendly, sustainable approach of ALGelysianFlamesCo, using natural soy wax and mindful packaging.

The problems I solve for my clients go beyond simply providing products; it’s about offering a solution to stress, burnout, and the daily hustle. My clients come to me looking for ways to show appreciation, celebrate life’s special moments, or create a relaxing environment for themselves. I provide them with tools to enhance their self-care rituals, reduce stress, and create an atmosphere of calm.

What sets us apart is our commitment to crafting a fully personalized experience. Each product feels like it’s tailored for the recipient—whether it’s a luxurious spa gift set for a bride-to-be or a cozy candle for someone’s new home. Our customers often tell us that our gifts make them feel seen and appreciated, and that’s exactly what I strive for.

I’m most proud of the impact my products have had on people’s lives. Whether it’s hearing that a candle I created helped someone find comfort after a long day, or that a personalized gift box brightened a loved one’s special occasion, these moments of connection are the heart of my business.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my brand is built on care, quality, and a deep belief in the importance of self-care. At ALGStudioStore, we’re not just selling products—we’re offering an experience, one that nurtures the body and mind, and helps you create moments of peace in a busy world. Every item is crafted with love, attention to detail, and the goal of bringing a little more joy and relaxation into your life. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a way to treat yourself, you can trust that ALGStudioStore and ALGelysianFlamesCo will deliver an experience that goes beyond expectations.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There was a pivotal moment in my journey with ALGStudioStore when I had to completely rethink my approach to the business. Initially, I focused on creating and selling standard, non-customized self-care products. While the products were well-received, I noticed that the market was becoming increasingly saturated with similar items. It felt like I was blending in, and I realized that to stand out and truly connect with my customers, I needed to do something different.

That’s when I made the decision to pivot towards fully personalized products—everything from customized spa gift boxes to candles tailored for specific occasions. It was a major shift in the way I operated because customization requires more time, attention to detail, and direct interaction with clients. However, I knew it was the right move when I started seeing how much people appreciated the personal touches. Customers began sharing stories of how a personalized gift box made someone’s day or how a custom candle became a symbol of a cherished memory.

This pivot also deepened the relationship I had with my customers. Instead of simply buying a product, they were part of the creative process, and I could sense their excitement and satisfaction in receiving something that was uniquely theirs. The pivot wasn’t without challenges—managing the additional workload and keeping up with demand was tough—but it ultimately strengthened my brand and allowed ALGStudioStore to grow in a meaningful way.

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for that moment of change. It taught me the importance of listening to my instincts and the value of personalization in a world that often feels mass-produced. It was a turning point that set the foundation for the kind of business I run today—one that’s all about creating thoughtful, tailored experiences for my customers.

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

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that “busyness equals success.” When I first started ALGStudioStore, I thought that constantly being busy—filling every hour with work, chasing every opportunity, and saying “yes” to every request—was the key to growing my business. I believed that if I wasn’t working around the clock, I wasn’t doing enough.

In the beginning, this mindset gave me a sense of control and accomplishment. I was always on the move, hustling to grow my brand, but it quickly led to burnout. I found myself overwhelmed, physically drained, and mentally exhausted. Worse yet, this constant state of busyness was taking away from my creativity, the very thing that fueled my business. I was so focused on keeping up with everything that I lost sight of why I started this journey in the first place—to create meaningful, personalized products that bring joy and relaxation to others.

The wake-up call came when I realized I wasn’t producing my best work. I wasn’t as connected to my customers, and I wasn’t allowing myself time to recharge. I had to unlearn the idea that success meant being constantly busy and instead learn that quality over quantity—both in my work and in my time—mattered more.

Now, I prioritize balance. I’ve learned to say “no” to things that don’t align with my mission and focus on the projects that truly inspire me and serve my customers best. By creating space to rest and reflect, I’m able to pour more energy into designing thoughtful, high-quality products and building deeper relationships with my customers. It was a hard lesson to learn, but it completely transformed the way I approach both my business and life, leading to more sustainable growth and a stronger sense of purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: WWW.ALGSTUDIOSTORE.ETSY.COM , WWW.ALGELYSIANFLAMESCO.COM, WWW.ALGELYSIANFLAMESCO.ETSY.COM
• Instagram: @ALGSTUDIOSTORE_LLC @ ALGELYSIANFLAMESCO
• Youtube: ALG Elysian Flames Co.

Image Credits

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