Reisfields: An Exclusive Look at the Black Owned Lifestyle Design Lab
A Must Read for Artists and Entrepreneurs
When creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit are combined, the end product is often inspiring to say the least. In 2016, Reis Chester set out on a journey to merge his career in fashion styling, interior design and architectural development with his educational background in business. The result is Reisfields, a lifestyle design lab created to offer an artisan line of handcrafted and curated pieces for your home and personal enjoyment. The black owned brand features products ranging from candles, to crystals, body waxes, soaks and more. In the six years since its creation, Reisfields has expanded at a rapid rate. But even with its growth, the brand's attention to detail, craftsmanship and eco-friendly products set it apart from the average candle company.
"Whether you're into self care, anti aging, or just on the hunt for a black owned candle company, Reisfields is here for you."
1. Let's start from 2016. What was the inspiration behind the founding of Reisfields? Also, what were some of the steps you guys took towards establishing yourselves on this scale?
I founded Reisfields as an outlet to express the many things that I was interested in. I’m a lover of travel, culture, quality craftsmanship, health, and luxury. Reisfields allows me to harness my experiences and use my hands to create things that elevate our time at home. The most sacred place.One of the biggest steps I took to establish the business on this scale was investing in creating 5 custom premium fragrances with a leading fragrance lab in the country. This gave the debut collection a sophistication and a range that most candle start-ups don't reach.
2. Can you let us know some of the businesses that Reisfields now calls home? How important was it for you to align with small, minority owned businesses to sell your product?
You can find Reisfields all around the country from small shops like Page Boy in Saint Petersburg, Florida. To places of art and wonder like Curated, located in the Santa Fe Museum of Contemporary Art. To industry leaders such as Madewell, J. Crew, and Nordstrom.However my favorite partners are the ones owned by the people that look just like me. Such as The Black Home in Newark NJ owned by celebrity interior designer Neffi Walker. She happens to be half Black, half Spanish and queer just like me. It’s extremely important for me and the brand to seek out others who share not only the vision but share the same values that my mother thought me.
3. The DIY candle making kit has been a hit. For the prospective buyers out there, what would you say is distinctive about the Reisfields kit?
Launching new products is always a stressful time for many reasons and you question if people are going to understand and like it. So I was really surprised when places like Madewell wanted to stock the holiday shelves with the kit because they understood it’s more than just a kit. It’s an opportunity to curve out time with a loved one and have some fun creating what we see as a luxury now, but was a crucial invention that changed our lives hundreds of years ago. A luxurious smelling room is just the cherry on top.
"The eye comes from my fashion background through fashion styling and interior design. I incorporate this design edge to every product I create because its the first impression."
4. We love the care that you put into your products. The hand craftsmanship, the fact that they're eco-friendly etc. This definitely can't be easy, but can you talk about why you prioritize this attention to detail in your production?
This is one of the biggest compliments I could receive because I put so much of what I have into the craftsmanship and packaging. The eye comes from my fashion background through fashion styling and interior design. I incorporate this design edge to every product I create because its the first impression. The little touches of gold foil or embossed floral details that was hand drawn my an amazing black artist is what opens the conversation to the goodness within. High minimums and die cost prevent a lot of new business from being able to incorporate these kinds of design details but I understood from the beginning it was those details that was going to stand me apart from the crowd.
"It’s extremely important for me and the brand to seek out others who share not only the vision but share the same values that my mother thought me."
5. A few exciting things are on the way in the next couple of months. Please let us know what Reisfields has in store next!
We've just stepped into the bath and body category with the release of the Botanical Soak Collection which is a set of 5 curated salt baths including 2 blends with full spectrum CBD oil. And Body Wax which is an intensive moisturizing massage candle with organic butters and oils. A luxurious fresh out the tub moment for yourself but even better to curve out some time to massage your partner.We'll also be launching our next Signature Candle this June, created in partnership with legendary fragrance house Givaudan. It will be apart of a large Pride campaign giving back to an amazing LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization. I can’t say much more yet but follow our Instagram @Reisfieldsnyc for all the latest.
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