Today we’d like to introduce you to Paulo Anthony Grayson.
Hi Paulo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have worked in luxury beauty for over 15 years, the last five as a National Executive for a brand that carried high-end candles. I have always had an interest in scents, candles, and beauty in general. I was laid off due to the pandemic and decided to follow my dreams of starting a candle company – and that is how Paulo Anthony Grayson Atelier was born.
I grew up in New Orleans, LA. I am five years sober and I’m heavily involved in the recovery community in Los Angeles. I am currently in business school and work in mental health as a sober companion in addition to starting my own brand. I’m also involved in “AIDS Life Cycle” which is a 545-mile bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The event raises money for the critical needs of the LGBTQ community through the Los Angeles LGBT Center and the San Francisco Aids Foundation. It is a cause near and dear to my heart. My partner and I have two pups: a Terrier rescue named Nando and a French Bulldog named Decatur
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Personally, I was a troubled teen and dropped out of school at a very young age. I started drinking and using drugs. After getting sober, I decided to get my GED and put myself through college. I have had financial ups and downs and have dealt with massive consequences due to my addiction. Today, my family and I have an amazing relationship and it’s the one that I am proud of the most. Another struggle, honestly, was finding self-worth. Learning to love myself, having courage, and staying out of fear has been a long journey. Professionally, finding a place in an over-saturated marketplace was challenging at first however having a solid spiritual foundation has helped me cope with my fears
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My brand was launched amidst a pandemic. I am a purveyor of fragrance and have an eye for trends in luxury. When I got laid off due to the pandemic, I took my severance package and created Paulo Anthony Grayson Atelier. Starting a small business is something that I have wanted to do for years and have not had the ability to, because I was so invested in building other companies.
One of the things that is extremely important to me is creating a product for my customer that is luxurious but affordable. I curate all of the scents. The candles are hand-poured and hand-crafted in Los Angeles. I also want to make a product that is non-toxic: I use soy-blend wax and perfume oils. The candles are gorgeous! They are sold on pauloanthonygrayson.com and at local farmer’s markets across Los Angeles.
Alot of people ask me about the logo. It’s a clock, and the time is 11:11. This time is extremely important to me -he numbers 11:11 pop up in my life when I need to see them the most. For me, this is a spiritual experience. The night I decided to get sober, I looked at the clock and the time was 11:11 p.m.. I took it as a sign that I needed to change my life. Every time I look at the box I smile, think of my life experiences and say, “I am enough.”
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Growing up, one of the things my dad always said was “remember your name, it is who you are, and it is how people will know you.” The other thing that my mom always reminds me of is “remember the people you meet on the way up because you’re gonna meet the same people on the way down.” Those two quotes have always stuck with me. Looking back, I wish I would have listened to my parents more. However, through my journey and experience, I have learned to always be authentic and come from a place of integrity. Those two things are very important to me.
Pricing:
- 11 oz 40.00
- 5 oz votive 25.00
- 3 oz 12.00
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: pauloanthonygrayson.com
- Instagram: @graysonatelier
- Facebook: @graysonatelier
- Twitter: @graysonatelier
- Tik Tok: @graysonatelier
Image Credits
Joseph Moreno brand images David Arenas headshot
