Bougie Luminaries is an experience born out of a love for candles, culture, romance, and beauty. In 2014, a candle making workshop reignited Erika Parker-Smith’s, founder, childhood passion for the art. Flames always fascinated her. Initially, she made candles for family and friends who wondered why she and her husband, illustrative artist Jamaul Smith, weren’t in the candle business. The idea was considered and shelved until 2016. Bougie Luminaries came to life in 2017 when the duo decided to just go for it. They began brainstorming names and concepts and, eventually, their focus narrowed when two themes repeatedly emerged: pinup art and pop culture. Those themes inspire all that they do.
Bougie Luminaries is an amalgamation of passions – candle creation, art, stationery, movies, music, and a life lived full of experiences intertwined with the tradition of Black Excellence. The duo wondered if anyone wanted to see or celebrate melanated beautiful women in the same ways and they do! Erika and Jamaul figured out how to merge their eclectic tastes with visually stunning art and fragrances to create arousingly decadent candles and stationery.
In 2018, Erika walked away from corporate America to launch Bougie Luminaries. Today, the family is owning bougie-ness and learning to be comfortable in it. This business reminds and reflects daily the varied beauty that exists throughout the African Diaspora. It teaches self-love and to take bougie as a compliment. What’s next? A culturally-inspired brand & boutique experience. In 3-5 years, Bougie Luminaries will be a boutique staple & continue being an excellent gift for the culturally inspired.
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Website
Email Address: info@bougieluminaries.com
Phone Number: 919.892.8922 (Office Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
Social Media: @bougieluminaries (All Sites)