We had the good fortune of connecting with Larry Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Larry, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
There is a crossroads at several points in your life where a defining decision can be made. For yourself, for your future and to heal parts of your past. When I started Burnable Bouquets I was in the depths of depression and suicidal ideation. I thought I had nothing to give the world or myself. I started making candles as a distraction, something to cultivate joy. What I found was relief. I created a one of a kind candle in a vintage teacup and it brought me some small sense of happiness. When that candle found its new home, the person who purchased it told me they felt it was made just for them. I realized I can cultivate joy for others too and gift the world authenticity and individuality through one of a kind healing tools. The candles hold crystals, essential oils and energy which can heal through manifestation. This mission is what keeps me going. Whatever you want can be yours! You deserve it and so with that belief comes action. Action to get up everyday and continue forward. Forward because your younger self deserves the freedom of self employment, because when theres money troubles, hurdles in the road, and feelings of despair, your future self deserves the freedom from past fears. There is a saying, ” when the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I don’t. believe in that saying. I feel when the going gets tough, you become gentle, humble, and willing. When its HARD, there is beauty in overcoming the challenges, knowing your future is bright after the hardship. I sought out external help from lawyers, peers and other small business owners. To clarify, when its hard to be your own boss, stay motivated, stay on top of finances, stay ahead of the retail curve, etc…you can choose YOU and YOUR business and YOUR individuality and autonomy or you can choose to fold your cards and give up. You can choose to ask for help. You can choose to learn new things. You can choose a beautiful life. The choice is difficult especially in the dark times. Please imagine your adult self holding the flashlight for your past self trying to navigate in the dark. The path is there you just have to look for it and take a leap of faith at times knowing in your heart how much you deserve a beautiful full life. Please know I will be making and lighting intention candles for you to find your way in your business and in your personal life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Each item is as unique as you! Hand poured in Bessemer, Alabama, each candle individually scented ensures One a kind candles & room filling fragrance. There’s flower petals from my garden and reiki charged crystals on top. These form a powerful healing circle around you. You can put your manifestations and intentions into your candle upon lighting it As it burns down so does anything that does not align with what you want. I am most proud of this idea because I feel individuality and authenticity are the two biggest pillars in my life. Without them, I would be lost. Finding myself through this business has been beautiful as well as connecting with each of my customers to help them pick their candle and therefore connecting to their healing as well. This part does not come naturally. I am an anxious introvert but getting to discuss intentions and crystals and energy with people definitely energizes me. I love watching and being part of healing in any aspect. I have learned along the way that each person is unique and one of a kind, just like the candles. Each person wants to shed the things that no longer serve them and melt them away, just like the candles. Each person wants to heal their past and carve a path for their future, which the candles can help with. My brand is about being one of a kind, and easing into a different life that you choose to create.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a friend in town, I would ask them what they want to do first and do those things. Next, I would take them to my favorite restaurant, Taco Casa, which is a hole in the wall taco joint that has the BEST and I mean BEST tacos! I would then take them to the Vulcan statue that has the most beautiful view of the city from the top. I would take them to visit my mom who is my very best friend and then I would show them my property, my home, my sanctuary, and then show them the candle basement where I make candles and create a ripple effect of energy. I would introduce them to my small community of friends and other creatives.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Jade Bradford. Jade took product and personal photos, and is my general hype man. Jade is an intuitive seer, psychic medium, tarot and palm reader, certified sound bowl instructor and Reiki Master Teacher. His business, Ethereal Intuition has opened doors for my spiritual growth which has trickled into my business and classes where I teach others to make candles and empower themselves as well. Jades mission is to help those in need of guidance or support and to meet people where they are at. He is inclusive and all accepting and welcoming.

Website: burnablebouquets.com

Instagram: burnablebouquets1.0

Image Credits
Jade Bradford, Ethereal Intuition.

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