THIS is a Poly Girl: Grace Brown

Grace Brown greets you with the kind of warmth that feels instantly familiar. She’s half Samoan, half Black — and she carries both with confidence and joy. As the founder of Suga With Spice, a candle brand born from her roots and the people who shaped her, she’s built something that glows with realness and soul.

Grace was born in Kapi‘olani, Hawai‘i, and raised in American Samoa in the villages of Alega and Lauli‘i. Growing up with her grandparents meant living by the rhythm of community life — church, school, and endless family gatherings. There was always something to do, and those early years taught her the value of hard work, love, and service.

Her grandparents, Luaitaua Seumanu Vili and Tuuilalo Tilafaiga Vili, played an enormous role in shaping who she is today. Being Black in Samoa came with its own experiences, but her grandparents made sure she and her siblings never felt less than or out of place. They were treated with the same love and guidance as any other child in the village — always reminded that they belonged, that they were family, and that their differences were something to be proud of. That sense of unconditional acceptance and identity became one of the greatest gifts of her childhood, and it continues to guide how she parents, creates, and carries herself today.

Her world revolves around her partner, their three young children, and a circle of strong women — her mom, grandmother, and three sisters — who are her constant support system. Her work, she says, wouldn’t exist without them. They’re the reason behind every late night and early morning, the driving force behind her purpose.

A Business Born from Love and Necessity

Suga With Spice came to life during the pandemic. Grace had a stable job, but she longed for a life that gave her more time with her kids and freedom to create something of her own. Like many mothers navigating that uncertain time, she began searching for a way to balance family and independence.

Candles had always filled her home with comfort, so she decided to learn how to make them — but with a Pasefika twist. She wanted each one to carry the essence of her identity and island roots. With no formal training, she began experimenting at her kitchen table, determined to craft something that felt like her.

The name came naturally. “Suga” is a Samoan term for women, and “with Spice” honors her Black heritage — together forming a name that perfectly reflects who she is.

When the business launched, friends and loved ones were her first customers. But after returning to work and finding out she was pregnant with twins, Grace put her business on pause to focus on her health and growing family.

Years later, when she began selling her old supplies, her mom noticed and offered to invest to help her restart. Grace hadn’t planned on reopening, but the encouragement reignited her spark. She decided to rebuild Suga With Spice from scratch, this time with a clear vision and renewed purpose.

Her first major breakthrough came with a wholesale order for Tanoa-inspired candle jars, featuring tapa designs created by another Pasifika artist. From that moment, everything clicked. The brand began to grow, fueled by creativity, community, and heart.

Today, Suga With Spice is known for candles that feel like a return to the islands — rich, expressive, and deeply connected to Pacific traditions. Grace dreams of seeing her candles one day sitting on shelves alongside national brands, carrying the Pacific spirit forward.

Candles that Carry Stories

Each candle tells its own story of memory, identity, and belonging. The scents are inspired by the florals and fruits of Samoa — the familiar sweetness of home mixed with modern creativity. Though it’s hard to capture those exact aromas in the States, Grace blends oils until they evoke that same sense of warmth and nostalgia.

Her bestsellers — Nafanua’s Dance, Sei Oriana, and Aroha — have become community favorites. For Pacific Islanders, the names alone bring a knowing smile; for those discovering the culture for the first time, each box includes a short note explaining the meaning behind the name.

Her popular gift boxes started by chance. When a local organization asked her to donate items for an event honoring community leaders, she engraved each box with their names as a last-minute touch. The gesture was a hit — soon, orders started flooding in, and the gift boxes became a permanent part of her collection.

The Challenge of Balance

Running a small business while raising three children means no two days are the same. Some mornings are filled with candle pouring and packaging productss; others are spent managing school runs and keeping up with everyday life. Some days she leads the rhythm — other days, she laughs, the rhythm leads her.

Last year’s holiday season brought huge demand and a tough lesson in burnout. Grace learned that growth isn’t just about pushing harder — it’s about pacing herself. This year, she chose to rest when needed, to listen to her body, and to run her business with more discipline and care.

As she’s learned to pace herself and prioritize what truly matters, one reminder has stayed with her and guides how she moves today:

“I’ve learned the grass is greener where you water it.”

Finding Her True Brand Voice

When Grace first launched Suga With Spice, she followed the neutral, beige aesthetic she saw in other candle brands. It was beautiful, but it didn’t feel like her. The moment she let go of what she thought a brand “should” look like and embraced her own island-inspired style — lively patterns, expressive colors, and the stories of her roots — everything shifted. Her creativity returned, ideas flowed effortlessly, and her brand finally felt like a reflection of who she truly was.

“The day I stopped trying to fit in and started creating from who I am, everything opened up.”

It was a turning point — not just for her business, but for herself. Suga With Spice became unmistakably hers: soulful, colorful, and rooted in identity.

Grounded in Culture and Heritage

Grace’s upbringing in American Samoa continues to shape how she runs her business. Her grandparents’ teachings of respect, love, and humility are woven into everything she does. Her designs often draw inspiration from South Pacific landscapes — the colors of the sea, the beauty of island flora, and traditional artistry like tapa and tanoa motifs.

At home, she’s passing down those same values to her children. They speak Samoan, learn the Fa’a Samoa way, and grow up seeing their mother turn her heritage into something creative and lasting. Through her work, Grace keeps her culture alive — not just in her household but in every home that lights one of her candles.

Wearing Her Story

For Grace, “Wear Your Story” means showing up as your whole self — not shrinking, not softening your edges, and not apologizing for where you come from. It’s living boldly, trusting your own timing, and letting your journey shape you in all the right ways.

That mindset shows up in everything she does — how she creates, how she parents, and how she moves through the world.

“Your story is your power — the moment you own it, everything changes.”

One of her proudest moments in business came when she received her first online order from a complete stranger — someone who connected with her work simply because it felt real. To Grace, that is exactly what “Wear Your Story” looks like in action: when you stand fully in who you are, the right people find you.

To other Poly Girls carving their own paths, her message stays grounded and encouraging: hold onto who you are, trust your timing, and know that your village will always find you. Grace reminds us what the Poly Girl spirit truly is — resilient, confident, and rising in her own way.

If this isn't a Poly Girl, I don't know what is! 

Follow Grace’s Journey:
Website:  sugawithspice.com
Instagram: @sugawithspice
Facebook: Suga With Spice
TikTok: @sugawithspicecandles