meet alex centomo!

as an ode to summer, we’ve partnered with alex (lifestyle & travel content creator, mother and founder from montreal) to create this new candle "smells like new beginnings" to celebrate the treasured moments that come along with new beginnings in life, including the start of a new season on the horizon.

as longtime fans of each other, we're so excited to have made this collaboration come to life! 

This candle is crafted for those embracing or seeking a fresh start. Whether it’s a small change or a new chapter in your life, take this moment to celebrate YOU and the progress you've made to get here.

read on to hear more on how this collaboration came to be.

What is your story and background? 

Alex: I grew up in Montreal, Canada with the most amazing summer memories. I have a very big family who would spend time together swimming, running around, laughing, and playing until the late hours of the night. I was also a competitive swimmer, so water was a huge part of my life. In my early 20’s, when I felt very lost, I turned to posting things I enjoyed on social media which led me to the career I’m in now (a decade later). I am now a mother and a woman I have always wanted to be.

What inspired the Mala x Alex candle collaboration?

Alex: My daughter, who I patiently waited years for. A gift for her as well as a reminder that beautiful things take time and patience is a virtue. We all need to experience the darkness in order to appreciate the light.

If you weren’t in your current career path, how would you be spending your time? 

Alex: Most probably working with children or as a therapist for people in need.

What does the scent feel like to you?

Alex: It reminds me of a warm summer’s day, by the garden near our family’s lake. And somewhere I will be raising my children to have the most amazing memories. It’s nostalgic, peaceful, feminine, and calming all in one.

How do you prioritize self care in your life?

Alex: By taking a small amount of time every day to do something I love. Whether that be reading a few chapters from my book, painting, working out, listening to a podcast, or writing. I also make sure to prioritize getting ready every morning, no matter how tired I am. It helps me feel like a human, especially in a new phase of life like motherhood.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

Alex: “A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because its trust is not on the branch but on its own wings.” My grandfather used to tell me this as a little girl. Trust in myself and believe I can do anything I set my mind to.

Any last comments, or something you’re looking forward to? 

Alex: There is beauty in change and I am so excited to embrace this new phase of motherhood and see what it has to offer me. I have never felt more fulfilled in my life than becoming a mom. I know that even through all the challenges of sleepless nights, feedings, big feelings, etc - It will make me in to the person I am meant and proud to be.

 

shop smells like new beginnings on august 27th at 9AM PST!

be sure to follow alex on her platforms for what she's up to next:

ig: @alexcentomo / yt: @alexcentomo/ clothing brand: @tomothebrand