Meet Brigid Trainor | Bottle Transformer & Candle Maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brigid Trainor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brigid, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was working at an AZ focused wine bar, and loved looking at all the wine bottles. The artwork on so many of the labels was just stunning, and representative of our state. Tossing or throwing the bottles in a recycling bin didn’t seem right – after all, they are still works of art. I started taking home my favorite bottles, and trying to come up with ways to artfully display them. Eventually I purchased a cheap cutting device and began using them as planters. The candle making started a few months later at the suggestion of a friend, and I have been running with that idea ever since.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
While I have never considered myself artistic, I am a very creative person. I have the ability to see something and imagine it repurposed in an entire different way. I love that I am using what would most people would consider as waste, and turning it into something that can be proudly displayed in any home. I am allowing someone else’s art/design to have a second chance at life, and promoting other business at the same time. I am so lucky to work with many Arizona wineries who appreciate that I can give their waste a new purpose, and showcase their brand in the process.

I have learned to put myself out there in the universe. Mentioning who you are and what to do is key to growing your business. I never understood the value of networking until I began Cactus+Vine. Don’t be afraid to tell people about your product – even if they are not looking for your service, they might know someone who is. Sure, you are going to have people who aren’t interested, but you might be surprised at the number of people who are. It never hurts to start a conversation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am an avid aerial yogi, so taking a class at Elevate Yoga and Wellness would be the perfect way to start the day. After class, we would grab a dirty chai at Lola, and walk over to the Japanese Friendship Garden – the waterfall is stunning! We might then head over to Lylo Swim Club and spend the afternoon lounging in the pool, sipping on “The Star” martinis. Happy hour would be back downtown at GenuWine AZ, and their self service wine machines, then across the street to Rough Rider for dinner.

I love the AZ bar and restaurant scene, so any itinerary I plan will be heavy on cocktail spots. Platform 18 is a favorite – I love how it feels like you are on a vintage train ride. Other delish spots include Blue Hound, Restaurant Progress, Valentine and any of the Upward Projects concepts.

A mini trip up to the Jerome/Sedona/Verde Valley area would also be a must, particularly in the warmer months. Exploring the unique shops and streets of Jerome is a treat, especially when stopping for tasting at the winery tasting rooms. I am also dying to check out the new Merking Vineyards Hilltop Trattoria – I’ve heard amazing reviews!

Stopping by Prescott for a day would also be fun – there are fair’s on the square most weekends during the Summer featuring some amazing local art.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful to the strong, supportive female business owners around me. GenuWine AZ, the wine bar I worked at when I originally came up with my business idea, is owned by a pair of female besties, who were incredibly encouraging and supportive as I started my business. I also have an amazing friend/mentor who is one half of an incredible female owned yoga studio: Elevate Yoga and Wellness (where I also work). She and her business partner are such a strong example of women who have conquered the business world, and risen to the top of their field. Their guidance and support is invaluable to me.

Website: www.cactusvine.com

Instagram: @cactus.vine

Other: etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Cactusvineaz