Meet Raven Miriah | Artisan

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

Hi Raven Miriah, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My business started when I moved home from college and I was looking for another outlet of income. I was working a place where we burned candles constantly and everyone was always excited about the scents we would get. We would be ecstatic and indulge in the vibe the aromatherapy would bring, so I thought to myself maybe I could try to create a candle. I knew I wanted to create something that was original that I could share with friends and family that they would enjoy and use in their special spaces. It worked out perfect because I started making them, to learn the process and test my skills. I started giving them out for the other staff members to try, and before long they were telling me I should sell them, so I did. I was passionate about the creative process behind picking different scents, and the feelings or emotions they brought me. From there it all started with wanting to create a mood. A feeling. I’ve always loved candles, the ambiance and warmth they bring to a room, and I wanted to recreate that experience for people to be able to have and indulge their senses in, hence the name RAWsense.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Ive always been a creative, having a love for sketching, and sometimes paint work, but I soon found I liked craft making in addition which brought out more of that artisan in me, especially when creating the brand RAWsense. RAWsense is a handmade candle brand that really encourages you to indulge your senses. From the aesthetic of the container to the scents and even the names its all en experience. It is a craft that requires you to be hands on and thats what I find I like most about it. Each scent takes a lot of time with the mixing of different blends to find the perfect aromas that pair well together to create the vibe. We recently started something new where we incorporate an affirmation just to manifest positivity within ones life. I got where I am today, by creating genuine relationships with people. I paid attention and researched what worked best for most and what didn’t and put my own spin on it that works for me. Really it is trial and error when creating a product for someone to enjoy. I make each candle by hand and it can be tedious and take long but Im always left feeling fulfilled. A favorite quote of mine is “its in the act of doing things we don’t want to, that you learn something about moving past the self…” by Bell Hooks and that really helped me overcome challenges where I was afraid to put myself out there, but once you realize that people will respect the effort it helps get past the fear that challenges us to stay silent because you’re afraid of judgement. Ive learned along the way to stay confident, recognize that not everything will always be perfect, but as long as you stand behind what you’re representing anything is possible. I want people to know that my brand is about self care and harvesting the energy to be mindful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m currently staying in LA but spent 7 years in AZ, I would definitely take them to Mill Ave, college town show them some of the local shops they have. Definitely hit up long time favorite which I don’t think gets enough credit, Cheba Hut! Hike Papago park Hole in the rock for an amazing view and sunset. Then travel down to Scottsdale for some good nightlife entertainment.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shout out my great grandfather Buddy Collette, I grew up going to all kinds of Jazz events because he was a talented musician and everyone respected him, and loved his music. He is the one who really instilled hard work into me, and the value of when putting your name on something, that it should be the best that it can be. He always taught me that you work hard first and can play later, and it always stuck with me. It has really progressed my work ethic to where it is today and Im so grateful. Also my friends have been so supportive so I’d like to shout them out, they help to keep me motivated.

Website: RavenMiriah.com

Instagram: @RavenMiriah

Other: IG- @Rawsensecandles