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Autumn Carroll is the owner and founder of Blackbird Décor, which specializes in hand-poured candles. Below she details the origins of her brands and what keeps her inspired.
When did you found Blackbird Decor and what was your goal at the beginning?
Blackbird was born when the eclectic antique store, Eighty-One, where I worked for a decade, closed. The owner, Pierre Fontenot, wrangled me into pouring candles for the shop in the first few years of my time at Eighty-One, and then graciously gave me space and time to expand our offerings as I learned the art and became inspired by all the possibilities of candle making.
When I launched Blackbird Decor in 2019 it was on pure optimism and blind hope. Maybe that’s all being an entrepreneur is.
What does your product line look like and what are your bestsellers?
Our aesthetic today at BB is an evolution due to the trials faced in the upheavals of COVID, two hurricanes, a freeze and floods. They all threatened every aspect of my business. Supply chain disruptions forced many container changes, but our products remained high quality and the formulas unchanged.
We have always viewed our aesthetic as rustic, simple and attractive to fit our market, which is equally represented by as many men as women. All candles are simple, straightforward and pretty natural with our beautiful amber jars and custom Kraft paper. I design labels, and even our font reflects our simple approach. We throw a little whimsy in the candle names because it’s who we are!
I’m a child of the ‘70s, so incense has been a part of production almost from the beginning. I burn it regularly. We sell stick, cone and backflow incense—all produced and cured here in our shop. We also produce room spray, diffuser oils and wax melts for those wanting flameless options.
We offer private label products and are currently working with Laroque homes and the St. Jude Dream House to provide a custom scent both for sale and as a part of the Dream House project. We’ve been part of the St. Jude project for years and love everything about it and the work Laroque homes and Changing Spaces provides.
Our all-time best-seller is Smoke & Mirrors—a bright sensual and refreshing cologne type fragrance.
What is the inspiration behind your designs?
The inspiration for every product is born out of everyday experiences and observations. I’m a little whimsical and many times I see or hear a phrase which sparks a mood, and then I search for the scent to reflect that mood.
What do you enjoy the most about making scented products?
My favorite part of the process is the product being born in my head and then in reality and seeing my customers “get it.”
What are your hopes for Blackbird Decor in the future?
We have had such support and loyalty from SWLA that I can’t imagine what the future holds, but expect more fun candle names, more amazing scents and always high-quality goods.
Are there any favorite products that would make a good gift for Mother’s Day?
We have some great Mother’s Day choices:
Rustic Cottage Rose – a bit of rustic tone added to a classic rose scent
French Pastry – a bakery scent with a splash of almond
Southern Magnolia – a classic magnolia with a hint of cedar & peony
We also offer, in limited supply, sweet sayings on a feminine candle. My favorite is “My mom thinks she’s in charge—isn’t that cute?”
Where do you sell your products?
We sell our products at Blackbirdecor.com, as well as at a variety of fine retailers locally:
• Expressions, Lake Charles
• Changing Spaces, Lake Charles
• Hidden Treasures in the Bluff,
Moss Bluff
• Flock of Five, Sulphur
• The Market, Co-op Shops, Sulphur
• Mantra Yoga, Lake Charles
