Brittney Alexandra Winbush (@voguebritt) is the founder of candle and tea brand, Alexandra Winbush, which has garnered the attention and praise of celebs like Issa Rae and Keke Palmer.
You started your company, Alexandra Winbush, after a house fire incident, right? What prompted you to do that?
I needed a way to feel safe again, and I needed to give myself the power to create that space wherever I am. For me candles, specifically aromatherapy, felt like the perfect way to create whatever space I wanted. There are candles that smell like the beach; candles that remind [you of] your grandmother's house. I found candles to be so therapeutic in my journey after the fire. [They also] put me face-to-face with my fear [of fire], and [helped me] take my mental wellness seriously.
Who are your biggest inspirations in wellness?
This will sound funny, but my grandmothers: women who rested when they were tired, said no when they didn't want to do something, and made home for themselves and the things they enjoyed. I didn't realize as a child but that — that is wellness!
What is the role of an influencer today? How have you utilized your platform, and what do you hope to convey to your followers?
With my platform, I share my journey with mental health honestly and transparently. I am so vulnerable with my community because there in power in seeing someone that looks like you speak about things like mental health! Like talking about high-functioning anxiety, the waves of depression, while also sharing the brunch spots?! That's my truth, and I'm going to show up like that for myself and my community.
