abigail cook stone & otherland

we're creating space for the brains behind the brands we love, and asking good questions along the way. the result is a deep dive into the how and why of brand-building, from blueprints to launch day, customers as community and the detours in between. big lessons, easy listening.

In this episode of Read Receipt, we dive into the fascinating journey of Abigail Cook Stone, founder of Otherland, a brand redefining the candle market with its unique and affordable luxury products. Abigail's path from studying art history and working in art acquisitions at Ralph Lauren to launching Otherland is filled with creativity, resilience, and innovation. We'll explore how her passion for candles and her business acumen led to the creation of a brand that brings artistic expression and sensory experiences into homes. Join us as Abigail shares the pivotal moments, challenges, and successes that have shaped Otherland's journey, and discover what's next for this innovative brand.

Tune in to hear Abigail's entrepreneurial insights, the inspiration behind Otherland's collections, and the future vision for the brand.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation!
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the Show Notes

Summary:‍

Abigail Cook Stone, founder of Otherland, shares her inspiring journey from studying art history and working in art acquisitions at Ralph Lauren to creating a successful candle brand. Abigail discusses her passion for candles, the experiences that shaped her vision, and the launch of Otherland. She highlights the importance of creativity, authenticity, and consumer connection in building her brand. The conversation explores the entrepreneurial lessons Abigail has learned, the development of Otherland's unique products, and the future of the brand.‍

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Keywords:‍

candle brand, affordable luxury, entrepreneurship, art history, Ralph Lauren, personal wellness, brand building, creativity, consumer connection‍

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Takeaways:

1. Abigail Cook Stone's journey from art history and Ralph Lauren to founding Otherland is marked by creativity and innovation.
2. Otherland integrates art and sensory experiences into affordable luxury candles, emphasizing authenticity and consumer connection.
3. Abigail's diverse experiences have significantly shaped her approach to business and product development.
4. Building a brand involves creating a strong connection with consumers and staying true to core values.
5. Otherland's commitment to creativity and quality is reflected in its unique collections and storytelling.
6. Persistence and resourcefulness are essential for long-term success in the competitive candle market.

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Sound Bites:

• "I started Otherland out of a passion for candles and a desire to create something unique in the industry."
• "Otherland's candles are inspired by my love for art and sensory experiences."
• "Building a brand is about staying true to your values and creating a strong connection with your audience."
• "I believe in following my intuition and staying committed to my vision, no matter what others say."
• "Candles are not just about scent; they're about creating a sensory experience that enhances everyday life."

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Chapters:

00:00 - Abigail's Background and Journey-
Abigail introduces herself and shares her journey from art history and Ralph Lauren to founding Otherland.

08:01 - The Inspiration Behind Otherland-
Abigail discusses the personal and professional experiences that inspired her to create Otherland.

12:30 - Transition from Art Acquisitions to Candle Entrepreneurship-
Abigail explains her career shift and the lessons she learned along the way.

23:17 - Importance of Creativity and Consumer Connection-
The conversation delves into how creativity and consumer connection have shaped Otherland's brand identity.

25:30 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Candle Industry-
Abigail talks about the challenges and opportunities of building a candle brand and launching new products.

27:26 - Commitment to Quality and Innovation-
Abigail highlights Otherland's dedication to creating unique candle collections and sensory experiences.

31:23 - Building a Strong Brand Identity-
The discussion explores the importance of staying true to core values and connecting with consumers.

36:02 - The Vision for Otherland-
Abigail shares her vision for the future of Otherland and her goals for the brand.

47:37 - Persistence and Resourcefulness in Entrepreneurship-
Abigail emphasizes the need for persistence and resourcefulness in achieving long-term success.

51:43 - Final Thoughts and Insights-
Abigail wraps up the conversation with final thoughts and valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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