Dear Reader, I have to confess that I don’t know a whole lot about candles. It’s easy to imagine that Slow North, our latest entry into the Spotlight Series, would generally not be something that comes up on my radar.
But I’m very happy they did.
When I learned about their dedication to healthy living and shopping local, I had no doubt I wanted them to be part of the program.
You should really settle in and learn more about them. And if you do, we’ll also share how you can try any of their products for free.
EAA: How did you get into the candle business?
RE: After years of slowly ridding our home of products with toxic ingredients and replacing them with natural alternatives, we hit a roadblock when it came to finding a suitable replacement for candles. We had lived without the candles for a good while, but we greatly missed the calming ritual of lighting a candle to relax in the evenings. While pregnant in 2015 with our first son, we became even more aware of just how many products we had in our home that contained mystery concoctions of synthetic chemicals – some of which are not required on ingredient listings. While we initially intended candle-making to be a hands-off side project, we followed our instincts and quickly became candle makers as a profession!
EAA: That’s great. But this is much bigger than a side project now. How did you get here?
RE: 6 years ago, we began by making candles out of our backyard garage studio. Our operation quickly grew into a full storefront and studio space in 2017. In the space, you could shop for Slow North products alongside other local, small-batch goods as you watched us pour candles and hear our sewing team creating our therapy packs in the back. In March of 2020, we expanded even further from making our products in-shop to having a larger off-site production studio right down the road from our North Austin brick and mortar, where we have been able to extend our collection of curated house brand products.
EAA: What makes Slow North different?
RE: There are a few things that make us different! First off, when we say hand-made, organic, and natural, we actually mean it. Our retail team does a great job at doing research for items we offer in the shop to make sure we always provide the best for our community – and if we find that it doesn’t fit our standards, we switch it out as soon as possible. Second, our collection of products are made by our small team who are also members of the Austin community. The person who poured your candle or made your therapy pack could be your next-door neighbor, classmate, friend, or that friendly acquaintance you pass by at the grocery store every other week. Every time you enjoy one of our items, it feels more meaningful and sentimental.
EAA: Who are your ideal customers?
RE: Our ideal customer is really anyone looking to shop local, slow down, simplify their life, or consume consciously. As a shop and brand, we specialize in providing individuals with products that help them pause, reflect, and enjoy the simple moments of life through one-of-a-kind items. At our brick and mortar, we also have a bulk bar where you can explore self-care more intuitively by picking and choosing your own incense, body care, and herbs by the ounce.
EAA: Any charities or non-profits you are interested in/work with/otherwise want to give a shout out to?
RE: As a business, our purpose goes beyond profits, and as we grow as a company we aim to contribute equally to our community. Several organizations we donate 10% of our profits to are Kiva (an organization that supports emerging entrepreneurs all over the world through micro-loans that expand financial access and help underserved communities thrive), Central Texas Food Bank (an organization that locally helps end food insecurity in our local community), The SAFE Alliance (an organization that supports victims of violence and abuse locally and works to make the Austin community safe for everyone), and RAICES (an organization that supports immigrant rights by providing pro-bono legal and social services for refugees and immigrants so families remain together).
EAA: What are some gems of North Austin?
RE: The Backspace (Pizza + Pasta), Electrick City (Fitness + Dance Classes), Top Notch (Burgers + Vintage Cars), Alamo Drafthouse (Movies + Food), Lone Star Kolaches (Breakfast), Vasquez Restaurant (Breakfast Tacos), Emerald Tavern Games + Cafe (Board Games + Beer)
EAA: Thanks so much for your time.
So now you should put this down and head over to their shop. It’s located in North Central Austin, in the shopping center with Alamo Draft House at West Anderson Lane and Northcross Drive (between Epoch Coffee and Madam Mam’s). Along with all the amazing Slow North products, they have a curated collection of zero waste options, natural bath and body care, home decor, gifting essentials, and jewelry all handcrafted by artisans + makers from the Austin area and around the world!
But wait….there’s still more. If you sign up for our mailing list (just look at the top of the page or over on the right), by XXXX, you will be eligible to win Slow North gift cards. I promise you won’t regret it.
