The Mind Behind Cactus Vine Candles
Have you ever wondered about the creative mind behind Cactus Vine Candles? Let's dive into the background of the founder, Brigid Trainor.
The Start to my Story
My story begins in Prescott, Arizona, where I spent my younger years surrounded by the natural beauty of the Southwest. Although I didn’t realize it at the time, the distinctive character of Arizona would later inspire elements of my business.
For 14 years, I worked as a flight attendant, always on the move while experiencing new people and places. It was actually on a trip to Hawaii that I met my now husband, Mike. Despite the adventures, I always felt a pull towards my roots. Eventually, I made the decision to return to Arizona, a place that had always been home. The COVID-19 pandemic eventually prompted me to pause my flight attendant career and reassess my path.
Discovering My Passion
In 2020, I began working at a locally focused wine bar, GenuWine AZ, which inspired me to create Cactus Vine. My love for working with my hands and my frustration at seeing gorgeous wine bottles discarded led me to start repurposing them. Initially, I used the cut bottles as succulent planters, but eventually, I envisioned a way to transform these beautiful bottles into unique, handcrafted candles. Cactus Vine embodies my hands-on approach and dedication to sustainability. Each candle is carefully crafted and poured into recycled bottles and cans, giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.
Desert Inspiration
Arizona's diverse landscapes and unique natural beauty have deeply inspired my signature scents at Cactus Vine. From the refreshing aroma of wet creosote after a desert rain to the delicate fragrance of blooming cactus flowers, each scent captures a distinct aspect of the Arizona environment. These scents are my way of bottling the essence of Arizona, creating candles that evoke the rich, varied experiences of life in the desert.
Bringing People Together
Beyond creating candles, I find joy in sharing the hands-on crafting experience with others. I host candle-making workshops at local spots and private events, allowing people to get creative and make their own custom candles. These workshops are a great opportunity to connect, embrace sustainable practices, and enjoy a memorable, hands-on experience.
In addition, I also teach aerial yoga at Elevate Yoga & Wellness, which allows me to share my love for movement and mindfulness with others. Teaching aerial yoga complements my passion for working with my hands, as it combines physical creativity with the joy of helping others find balance and strength. This blend of practices enriches my life and keeps me connected to both my body and my artistic spirit.
Join Me on This Journey
Cactus Vine is more than a business; it’s a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the joy of working with my hands. Whether you’re enjoying one of my Arizona-inspired candles at home or joining me for a workshop, I’m excited to share this hands-on adventure with you. Thank you for being part of Cactus Vine Candles story.