Why Incense? A Journey to Creating Acquired Taste

One of the most common questions I get is, “Why incense holders? How did you get into this?” And for the longest time, I kept my answer simple. But the truth? It’s personal—deeper than just an idea that popped up.

Incense & Independence

Incense became a part of my life during a time of true independence. It was there for my slow mornings with coffee, the backdrop to lazy weekends, the quiet companion to moments spent lying on my floor, singing along to an album on repeat. It gave me space to process—feelings, desires, dreams. It made the mundane feel sacred.

I burned incense as I cooked breakfast, watered my plants, or settled into a Saturday morning movie before the day took hold. It was part of my smoke sessions, the scent swirling into whatever song I was zoning out to, helping me sit with my thoughts instead of running from them. 

Moving to a new city, learning how to exist on my own, finding my rhythm—incense became a constant—something small that made every moment feel intentional. But every time I ran out, I had to stock up when I visited home because I couldn’t find the same quality in Austin.

And then, I started noticing something else—the holders.

 

Why Incense Stick Holders?

The incense I burned had so much meaning, but the holders? They were uninspired, basic, and mass-produced. Incense has been around for thousands of years, and yet we’re still using the same boring holders? There was no personality, no nostalgia, no fun. Rituals shouldn’t have to compromise on aesthetics.

That’s when the idea struck: Why not create incense holders that reflect personality and self-expression?

Acquired Taste: From Idea to Reality

Funny enough, the name Acquired Taste came first—long before I even knew what it would become. During the Covid era, I registered my LLC under a different name because Acquired Taste wasn’t available at the time. Later, I was finally able to secure it, and let me tell you—that process was a lot. Lesson learned: don’t pay someone to register your LLC unless they actually know what they’re doing.

But even with the name locked in, I hesitated. I had so many ideas, but I didn’t consider myself artistic. I kept asking myself:

• What can I do with my creativity?
• How can I make something practical but also unique?

Then one day, sitting in traffic, I noticed a car covered in bumper stickers, and it clicked—people have this deep need to express themselves. Whether through style, music, or art, we all want to be seen.

That’s when I realized Acquired Taste could be a brand that turns self-expression into something tangible. For me, that started with incense holders.

Bringing It to Life

I started small—ordering supplies, experimenting, teaching myself through trial and error. And once I started, I couldn’t stop. Now, I see the world differently, asking myself, What can I turn into an incense holder?

Some of my favorite pieces came from collaborations with fellow vendors who gave me objects from their merchandise to turn into molds. The support I’ve received along the way has been overwhelming and beautiful.

More Than Just Holders—A Feeling

The best part? Seeing people’s reactions.

From “Oh my God, this is too cute!” to “Wait—what is this? An incense holder?!”—to seeing someone’s face light up with nostalgia when they recognize something from their past. Those moments are everything.

Acquired Taste isn’t just about incense holders. It’s about creating something that feels like you. Something personal, nostalgic, expressive. A small piece of someone’s daily ritual that makes the ordinary feel intentional.

The Journey Continues

So, why incense holders? They’re more than just an accessory to incense—they’re an extension of self-expression, nostalgia, and creativity. My holders are an invitation to bring personality to an everyday routine and make everyday moments more meaningful.

Acquired Taste is a reflection of everything I love: creativity, connection, and the power of small, intentional moments.

Thank you for being part of this journey and embracing my handmade pieces. It’s because of you—my community—that Acquired Taste continues to grow and thrive.