Community Highlights: Meet Raven Thornton of Ava Marie

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Thornton.

Hi Raven, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Raven Thornton, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Atlanta, Georgia, I have been turning heads in the world of business since my teenage years. At the age of 17, I launched my career as a lash artist, quickly building a six-figure business. My talent and knack for teaching others led to becoming a sought-after mentor in the lash extensions industry.

Born and raised in Atlanta, my passion for business and marketing led me to attend Georgia State University, where I pursued a degree in Marketing and Public Relations. This educational background proved to be the perfect foundation for my success in the beauty industry.

In 2022, I made the bold decision to retire from my thriving lash business and focus my attention on a new venture – a luxury candle line. Launched in March 2023, my exquisite collection of candles inspired by a soft life has captivated consumers, selling out with every restock.

As a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for redefining self-care, I’ve always been passionate about the art of living a soft life. After experiencing a personal transformation, I discovered that the conventional definition of “Soft life” was limiting and in need of an upgrade. Determined to revolutionize the concept, I embraced a holistic approach to self-care that went beyond pampering and indulgence, focusing on nurturing the mind, body, and soul.

Inspired by my journey of self-discovery, I founded Ava Marie, a luxury candle line that embodies my philosophy of living a soft life and The Soft CEO Series that inspires women to be able to balance both a successful business and self-care.

My mission with Ava Marie and The Soft CEO Series is not just to create luxurious products but to empower individuals to prioritize self-care and embrace the soft life as an essential part of their daily routine. Through my brand, I hope to inspire a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of self-care, mindfulness, and intentional living. Today, I continue to be an influential figure in the world of luxury self-care, sharing my wisdom, experience, and the transformative power of living a soft life with the world.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not. With any business, there will be ups and downs. You will lose friends, lose money, and have to pivot a lot. You just have to ask yourself, “Does this make me happy” and if the answer is yes, do everything you can to keep your vision alive.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Ava Marie?
Our candles are designed for the refined, upscale woman who values self-care above all else. We believe that self-care is a non-negotiable part of a happy and healthy life, and our candles are the perfect way to elevate your self-care routine.

Our founder, Raven Thornton, has always been passionate about self-care and luxury. She believes that every woman deserves to feel pampered and indulged, no matter what her circumstances may be. That’s why she created Ava Marie, a candle line that is designed to transport you to a world of pure indulgence and self-love.

Our candles are made with 100% natural and non-toxic ingredients, including natural essential oils. We believe in using eco-friendly materials and packaging to ensure that our candles are as good for the environment as they are for you. Each candle is carefully hand-poured to ensure the highest quality and longevity.

At Ava Marie, we believe that self-care is not just a trend but a vital part of a happy and healthy life. Our candles are designed to help you prioritize your self-care routine and make time for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing at home, taking a bath, or simply unwinding after a long day, our candles are the perfect way to create a soothing and luxurious atmosphere.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
As I child, I can remember my mom and I would drive around these million-dollar homes and imagine what it would be like to live there. I think that is what inspired me to become an entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.shopavamarie.com www.thesoftceo.com
• Instagram: @saypoca @shopavamarieco @misssoftceo