According to the Macon Newspaper, Anikitia Abram heads up the first Black woman-owned candle-making studio in Middle Georgia.
She accomplished this feat by opening Pretty Lux Co. in July 2023. According to its website, the company offers candles, skincare, and haircare products that are “100% vegan, cruelty-free, and made with minimal ingredients.” For Abram, that means using locally sourced ingredients and staying mindful of the environment during production.
“Pretty Luxe Company is more than a business; it is a movement for better health and understanding, providing a nurturing environment that supports individual and community growth,” Abram told the Macon newspaper. “This foundational inspiration continues to drive every aspect of Pretty Luxe Company and guides our mission to enrich lives through both our products and educational efforts.”
These efforts include a focus on engaging the community in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through the development of candles and skincare products.
“By integrating STEM into the manufacturing of our candles and skincare products, we aim to empower our community,” she told the outlet. “This integration not only improves the quality and effectiveness of our products, but also makes complex scientific concepts easy to understand, accessible and engaging. The result is a unique space where creativity and education come together, allowing customers to discover products that improve their health while gaining insight into the science behind their effects.”
Through the CandleSTEM Collective, Abram partners with nearby schools and community centers to host STEM workshops and events, and also works with Spelman College to provide instruction through the school’s Black Beauty STEMinist Symposium and Lab Intensive.
The goal is to expand the educational programs to reach future generations.
“Through these efforts, we aim to empower and inspire the next generation of Black women in STEM fields while highlighting the importance of diversity in the fields of science and entrepreneurship,” she told the Macon newspaper. “These efforts are a testament to our dedication to serving and uplifting our community by providing valuable educational experiences and support.”
