Meet Asia Ingram | Owner of No Label Candle Company

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

Hi Asia, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I have always been and forever will be a calculated risk taker. I find that those who are risk-averse aren’t afraid of failure but more so uncontrollable success. I believe that it can be challenging to pursue the unknown or to bet on yourself… self-confidence is definitely a requirement to do so.
Most recently, after working in tech for four years at a company I completely adore, we’re weeks away from being acquired. Knowing that this acquisition was set to take place a year and a half ago, I decided to rearrange my budget and heavy up on my savings. I’ve saved enough for my bills to be paid for a year with the goal of using this time to head down in building my network and my candle business. To me this is a calculated risk, I’m giving myself the time to bet on myself and to try something against my traditional career norm. It’s exciting to me and I can’t wait to one day, a couple of years from now say, “Wow, I can’t believe I did that but I’m so glad that I did, it was so worth it!”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe that a lot of people can create but creating from a loving place that not only reflects your experiences but experiences that others can relate to or find emotions within makes you an artist. I intentionally made each No Label Candle to represent different life occurrences that could happen in anyone’s life but with Black representation through the modeling choices e.g. doing laundry, going on a hiking trip, relaxing in your home, etc. I can honestly say the names and fragrance profiles of each candle came easily to me but now that I’m in a position where I’m trying to scale it hasn’t been as easy. As a Black Woman, I have fallen victim to the “one-woman show” or “Eff it I’ll Do IT!” business model and that can be overwhelming and often unnecessary. So I’ve enlisted help and it’s been the best thing ever. It’s okay to learn from other experts to improve your business or artistry. Think about it even Denzel admitted to still going to improv workshops and having acting coaches. Continuing to learn new ways to execute your craft is imperative to not become stagnant.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Normally, I ask people if there’s anything that they would like to do before I go off and plan their ATL adventures so I’m going to give you a list of different things that my guests have enjoyed while visiting me. One thing that I love about Atlanta is that you can be mixxy or a hermit crab, it’s really up to you and the experience you’re looking to have.
Breakfast options: Flying Biscuit, West, Egg, and Waffle House, which I had this morning for breakfast are a must.

Lunch options to Tassillis Raw Reality, because we do live a healthy lifestyle in this house 80% of the time, Upbeet for a fresh salad, Slim & Husky’s bc their salmon pizza is bomb.

Dinner options if they’re looking for sodium will go to Jj‘s Chicken and Fish always ask for extra sprinkles and get the peach lemonade, we might also go to Krog Street Market because they have so many options over there plus after we eat, we can go walk the beltline. Also, for dessert, we do a lot of Café Intermezzo or Jeni’s ice cream.

In terms of going out, people seem to enjoy going to Ponce City Market, the High Museum on the first Friday of every month, if you haven’t gone… it’s a must the event hosts 4,000 and people show up and out for a good time! If you want to do something more low key you could go to an open mic night somewhere in the city. Personally, I’m a workout class junkie so I’m almost always going to invite my guest to either Vibe Ride, which is a spin class, Be Hot Yoga, which is hot yoga, Beat the Bomb, Main Event or some type of dance fitness class.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout Out to my circle of friends! You know how when people win awards on award shows and say they have the best mom ever? Well in addition to having the best parents ever my friends are some of the most supportive, loving, and giving individuals. It’s kind of amazing how you meet someone randomly one day in your life and they’re still there one or two decades later. Their actionable motivation uplifts me and makes me feel ready for any challenge because I know no matter the outcome they’ll always be there.

Website: https://www.nolabelcandlecompany.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolabelcandlecompany/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asiamartiningram/

Image Credits
Alesia Snell Phillip Champion