I remember when I first visited Raj’ae Ross' Agave Haus market booth. As I picked each candle up and held them to my nose, one of her creations in particular — a candle called “Cowboy Zen” that was a sublime mix of eucalyptus, wild mint and sandalwood — felt like the embodiment of so many things I love in a single candle. The harmonious balance of scents transported me to a serene desert escape. I immediately imagined the gatherings we’d host where I’d spark it up to set the vibe, and the memories we’d make as it burned. That’s the power of a great scented candle like Cowboy Zen, because scent is so closely interconnected with emotion and memory.

Born and raised in Texas, Raj’ae grew up with a father who loved classic Western films, Houston rodeos and watching Black cowboys ride their horses through the streets. The influence of her father cultivated her affinity for the culture. Today, Raj’ae infuses that nostalgic love for the Wild West into each of her aromatic treasures, and while Agave Haus is a young brand, it has an old soul. Each candle, meticulously crafted and hand-poured by Raj’ae herself, invites us to rediscover the timeless allure of dusty trails, untamed horizons and the enduring warmth of hearth and home.

What's the Agave Haus origin story?

Agave Haus is all about the joy of creation and sharing that passion with others. Moving to Austin in the mid-2000s was a turning point. I started taking all sorts of creative classes and over the years have learned how to sew, quilt, throw clay, crochet granny square blankets, woodcraft a charcuterie board, and so much more! Agave Haus was created from a passion of wanting to try something a little different with the opportunity to create a brand and suite of complementary home products.

The name itself reflects a combination of many things I love. My husband started buying succulents for our home about 15 years ago, and now we have a thriving collection of desert plants. The Agave is my absolute favorite — its strength, resilience, and touch of wild beauty has always caught my eye as a plant lover. Haus is about feeling rooted to home, the place where we thrive, grow, and bloom the most.

Owning a small business lets me explore different creative avenues, and that's incredibly fulfilling.

What drew you to the art of candle making, and how does it intertwine with your love for home decor?

I've always seen candles as a powerful way to add personality and warmth to a home. They're more than just fragrance; they can be a visual statement and a conversation starter. That's what truly drew me to candle making — the ability to create unique, handcrafted pieces that complement any decor.

The beauty of candle making lies in its design flexibility. I use a variety of vessels and scents to cater to different home styles. For instance, last fall, I launched a minimal yet classic 10-ounce, clear glass, double-wick jar with a clear label [to create a] crisp look to [accent] seasonal festive decorations.

Fragrance is another key element for me. I source high-quality, clean-burning oils and phthalate-free fragrances to create unique scent profiles that transport you to a special place.

In what ways does your Texas upbringing influence your approach to entrepreneurship and candle making? How do you infuse elements of westerns and cowboy culture into your candle designs and brand identity?

I’ve lived in Texas my entire life and in Austin for almost 20 years now. This is and forever be home! I have fond memories attending the Houston Rodeo and seeing Black cowboys ride through the streets. It was the best time of the year in school as well, we’d learn square dances in PE and have Western day at school. [Growing up in the '80s] as a kid was such a vibe!

The Western influence in Agave Haus is more about subtle inspiration. Growing up, my dad was a huge Western movie fan, and on Saturdays he’d watch a lot of black-and-white cowboy movies. He loves the genre and the actor John Wayne. While I might not have been glued to the screen as a kid, that appreciation for the genre seeped in. My take on Western style is modern and playful. Earthy tones and pops of color, paired with clean, modern fonts on the labels.

Building a business from scratch requires a lot of hustle and a never-give-up attitude. Texans are known for their grit, and that's definitely a quality I've had to tap into to get Agave Haus off the ground. It's all about finding my own path and creating something unique and authentic to me.

What is your process when creating, and can you share a memorable experience or moment that inspired a particular candle scent or collection?

The candle creation process starts with the fragrance. I source high-quality, clean-burning fragrance oils and categorize them into scent families like gourmand, green, or floral. This helps me navigate the world of scents and avoid overly sweet or generic scents like “sugar cookie.”

Once I select the fragrance, I think about what I want to remember with this candle. I craft a name that captures that feeling and reflects my own journey, often drawing inspiration from the beauty of the desert. While Texas isn't solely desert landscapes, I love visiting West Texas and the arid beauty and stillness in that part of the state.

“Canyon Lake” is inspired by Christmas 2020. My husband and I love to travel and explore Texas with our 13-year old pup Rosie in our small RV. That year we swapped our usual indoor celebration for a Christmas getaway at a RV resort with family at Canyon Lake in the Texas Hill Country.

On Christmas morning, we walked around the dam at Canyon Lake and it was so incredibly peaceful. Despite the crazy weird year, the crisp air held a hint of optimism, a feeling that everything would be okay again. The notes of cactus water, rose and patchouli are soft and balanced, creating a lovely floral scent reflective of that morning.

How do you choose the ingredients for your candles, and what significance do they hold in your creations?

Using high-quality ingredients to create a product that smells amazing and burns cleanly, I spent a lot of time researching and testing different waxes before settling on a natural soy wax blend. It offers an excellent fragrance throw (how strongly the scent fills the room), a beautiful cured top and a cleaner candle.

My commitment as a maker is to try my best to deliver in both quality and consistency, which is especially important when handcrafting candles in small batches.

Consistency is a key element as every candle is hand-poured, one at a time. I weigh each candle during pouring to ensure they all are filled to the correct weight. I’ve created special recipes for each of my candles which includes the ratio of fragrances oils to be mixed, as I have custom blends. It's a long process, but that’s the fun part for me. I get in “the lab” (as I call my home studio) listening to either a podcast or a playlist and just get lost in the making.

How long does it take to make the perfect candle?

There's a science to it, but also subjective, which is where my creativity comes in. The curing time, which is the time it takes for a candle to reach its peak fragrance throw, depends on the type of wax used. Typically, it can range anywhere from 5-14 days.

Personally, I find 4 weeks to be the sweet spot for my candles before they're ready to go. To fine-tune my recipes, I like to burn them at different stages: 5 days, 14 days, 1 month and even 6 weeks. This helps me see how the fragrance evolves over time, ensuring it delivers a consistent burn each time.

What role do candles play in creating a sense of home and comfort for your customers? What do you want your customers to feel when they burn an Agave Haus candle?

For me, candles are all about creating a mood and a sense of sanctuary in your home. They're that finishing touch that transforms a space into a haven of relaxation and comfort. I strive to craft candles that evoke a feeling of familiarity and warmth, like a cherished memory or a beloved place.

When you light an Agave Haus candle, I want you to feel a sense of peace and a spark of fun. The names and intriguing scents are designed to spark your imagination and transport you to a special place. Or maybe you’re looking for a gift for a friend or loved one and want to send them a little piece of Texas.

How do you incorporate candles into your own home, and what tips can you give folks when shopping for the perfect scented candle?

As a candle maker, my home is naturally filled with them! I have a designated spot for candles in every room, allowing me to create different moods and ambiences throughout the house. When I create a new batch of candles, I always make a tester for myself. This lets me assess the final product after it's cured – I check the fragrance intensity, scent profile and burn quality.

I'm a big believer in trying new scents, a little experimentation goes a long way in finding a new fragrance profile you hadn’t smelled before.

Here are some tips for candle shopping:

• Think about past purchases — reflect on candles you haven't enjoyed. Did the scent overwhelm you? Perhaps a lighter floral note would be more suitable.

• Consider placement — where will the candle live? Earthy or grounding scents might be ideal for the bedroom, while floral or fruity notes could brighten up your kitchen.

• Embrace seasonality — scents can evoke different feelings depending on the time of year. For a spring refresh, try lighting a "Fresh Linen" candle and enjoy the crisp, clean aroma.

What challenges have you faced as a small-business owner in the candle-making industry, and how have they shaped your journey?

The Austin area community has been incredibly supportive. In a little over a year, I've participated in close to 40 markets and events and have received such a warm welcome everywhere I’ve vended, and have had so many encouraging and supportive interactions from the general public. I love being a maker here!

However, as a small business owner in a competitive industry, there are always challenges to navigate. For instance, it takes time and effort to establish brand recognition and build a customer base, which is why I do so many markets. There’s so much work that goes on behind the scenes to bring your products to others, but I love that aspect. Then there's also the ongoing process of learning the business side of things, like SEO marketing, inventory management and taxes.

What defines a supportive community for you? What are the ways in which this community has showed up for you that have moved you?

Meeting hundreds of passionate crafters and customers has been amazing. It's more than just sales — it's a shared love for handmade goods.

The camaraderie among vendors is special as well. They've become a source of invaluable advice, sharing display tips, pricing strategies and even leads on other events in the area. Downtime at markets can happen, especially when traffic is slow or the weather doesn't cooperate. But here's the surprising flip side: those quiet moments foster incredible connections. Long market days (ranging from 4 to 10 hours) give ample time to chat with fellow vendors.

Coming from a 17-year career in [tech], I wasn't sure what the future held on what my next move would be professionally. Would I return to a 9-5 full-time or continue with Agave Haus? Last summer at a pop up, I met a wonderful dog treat vendor. Not only did we share a passion for dogs and handmade goods, but it turned out she also had a similar tech background. It's astonishing how diverse backgrounds are across makers. We became friends and she even referred me to a job opening at her company ... the opportunity itself wouldn't have existed without the supportive community at markets. This experience highlights the unexpected ways this network empowers and supports each other, both personally and professionally.

This sense of connection extends beyond vendors. At a monthly market I participate in, I've developed a wonderful group of repeat customers who I now greet by name. It's become more than a sales transaction — we catch up, share stories, and genuinely connect. I've been invited to a variety of events from people I've met at markets — from bingo nights, to crochet meetups at the library, to concerts.

What has been your experience with diversity in the candle-making industry?

Candle makers are drawing inspiration from all walks of life, heritages and personal experiences. This translates into a wider variety of scents, storytelling through names and packaging, and overall aesthetics. It's been rewarding to see customers connect with my candles, regardless of their background.

What advice would you give to aspiring candle makers or small-business owners, especially those from diverse or typically underrepresented communities?

As a Black woman running a small business, being part of a diverse or underrepresented community is a strength. There's a growing desire for unique products and perspectives. Embrace what makes you different!

Finally, don't be afraid to chase multiple dreams. I recently became a realtor alongside running Agave Haus. Creating a warm and inviting space extends beyond candles for me. The key is finding ways your passions can connect and support each other.

You can purchase Agave Haus candles at https://www.agavehaus.com. Follow along at @agavehauscandleco.

Raj'ae's answers have been edited for grammar and clarity.