Meet Tierra Barber | Owner of B. Elevated Candle Co.

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

Hi Tierra, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I think about work life balance all the time. It is the reason I decided to go into entrepreneurship. I’m a single mom of two.  My previous career had me working the longest hours. It was work, work, work, no life at all. I really struggled with it. Leaving home before my kids woke up. Getting back after they were asleep. Having to hire people to take them to and from school, stay with them until bedtime. It was exhausting. As a mom I felt like a failure. I could never have time for myself. The little time I had free, I spent with my kids. So, I was mentally and emotionally drained. After two rough years I decided to part ways with that job and become my own boss. Now I make my own schedule.  I have all the flexibility I want. I’m able to take my girls to and from school and daycare, attend my eldest’s ball games, fix dinner, help with homework, and do bath time. All the while not feeling guilty about stepping out for a fun night with my friends. I work around their schedules and it’s perfect. Who wouldn’t want to be able to enjoy your work, family, and social life simultaneously? Balance is key. If you work all the time, you and your family are going to suffer in some way. Even though you may be working for your family to support them, mentally and emotionally it will take its toll. It’s important to map out your days and have a plan. Now I have the power to do so.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?

I own B. Elevated Candle Co. we’re a luxury hand poured candle company. Each candle is hand poured in small quantities to ensure top quality. We use virgin, sustainable coconut apricot creme wax and wooden wicks that are free of parabens, phthalates, gluten, and other toxins. We chose to use matte black vessels because black is beautiful and versatile. It can blend in or stand out anywhere. These candles are made with love and good intention. At B. Elevated Candle Co., we strive to elevate your aromatic experience by providing a high-quality luxury brand for everyone. Our goal is to set an inspiring and meditative atmosphere by amplifying peace, tranquility, and opulence to your space whether it be at home, the office or on the go. The packaging, presentation, and products we use sets us apart from other candle companies. I wanted to make something luxurious but affordable, which is hard to come by.

It wasn’t easy stepping into entrepreneurship. No one in my immediate family owns a business. So, I didn’t have anyone to turn to for advice. I spent a lot of time googling what to do, which steps to take. YouTube videos taught me how to do a lot of things on my own to cut costs. It hasn’t been glamorous, but it has been rewarding. I’ve learned that you can ask for help. When needed, hire people to do things that you don’t have time to do. Hire professionals. There’s no one coming to save you when you’re in business alone, so it all falls on you. Make sure you’re making choices that you can live with. Make sure you believe in you and your process. When you make mistakes, stand on it and learn from it then move on.

What I want people to know about my brand and company is that we strive to be a brand for everyone. I love to feel good. I love to walk into my home, and it smells amazing. For scents to bring back great memories or to be a part of a new memory. You don’t have to be “rich” to have nice things in your home. I want my candles to give our customers these same feelings and experiences. You don’t have to make lots of money to put a good, toxin free product in your home. We have candles in various sizes and price points for all.  B. Elevated Candle Co. is a luxury brand for EVERYONE. B. Inspired. B. You B. Elevated.

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.

My idea of fun has definitely changed from my 20s. At 32 I like more of a calm vibe. Houston has great museums. So going to any of them would be a good time for me. The food here is amazing. Leeland House or Lucille’s for Brunch. Davis Street at Hermann Park, KISS htx or Musaafer for dinner. Trez Art & Wine Bar has good food and great music.

There is always something going on at Discovery Green. I’m totally obsessed with Exitus VR. It’s a woman owned Virtual Reality place that is so fun. I’ve taken several friends there. There is literally always something to do in Houston. The Rooftop cinema is fun, there’s always venues with live music too. All the cool markets are great too.  One of my favorites is The HipHop Flea Market the 1^st Sunday of the month or the Montrose MarketPlace. Axelrad is a cool beer garden that hosts markets through the week with open mic and live music. You’ll find me at all of those places. You can’t go wrong in this city!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my two daughters, Adlaia (age 13) and Tova (age 2). They keep me sharp. Especially my oldest. When I told her I was going to start my own business she was so excited for me. She cheered me on every step of the way and held me accountable. She helps me at markets now. She got her first sale, and it was so awesome to see. We’re both growing and learning together just as we always have. Tova keeps me on my toes. She is always asking “what’s that mommy?” and offering to help. I must give her busy work so that I can get things done. In the end I want to leave it all for them. Everything I’ve created will be theirs.

The book The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. I read that book and decided right then I was going into entrepreneurship. It teaches you to take it a day at a time. To do just one thing a day to get to your goal. That and Mamba Mentality. I’m a huge Kobe fan and I learned from him to be dedicated, obsessed with your craft to strive to be better every single day. I also want to thank my cousin Ashley and best friend Liz; they have helped me at markets and listen to me go on and on about ideas. Thank you! Lastly, but the most important, my mom and my grandparents for instilling my faith into me. Without Christ I would be nothing but with Him I am Everything. And right here today I am everything because of Him.

Website: www.belevated.co

Instagram: b.elevated

Facebook: facebook.com/belevatedcandleco

Image Credits
Jessica Dao Photography