DeNise Reese: The Power of Grace in Business and Life

From Luxury Buyer to Brand Builder

When the world slowed down in 2020, DeNise Reese found clarity in stillness. Her word for the year was “grace”—a reminder to slow down, reflect, and give herself space to dream. That word soon became more than a mantra; it became a mission. By the end of the year, she was building what would become Grace The Collection: a home fragrance brand rooted in elegance, intention, and everyday luxury.

After nearly 30 years in tech sales helping others scale and succeed, DeNise decided it was time to invest in herself. “I realized how much money I was spending on high-end candles and fragrances,” she says. “Then it hit me—this is the business I need to build.” And she did just that.

Turning Setbacks Into Strength

Launching Grace The Collection was not without obstacles. Just as she prepared to release her signature scent, a trusted consultant attempted to block her from using the supplier she had planned for launch. The fragrance they had co-developed became the center of a legal and emotional storm. It was a devastating blow. “That setback nearly broke me,” DeNise recalls.

But instead of giving up, she did what she’s always done—problem-solved. She leaned into her network, sought legal counsel, and sourced a new supplier. In January 2022, despite the odds, Grace The Collection officially launched with the signature Grace candle.

That moment was more than a business win—it was a spiritual one. “It reminded me that grace is also about resilience,” she says. “It’s about trusting the process, even when it hurts.”

Corporate Strategy Meets Creative Vision

DeNise brings a rare blend of analytical strength and aesthetic intuition to her brand. Her decades in tech sales taught her how to build systems, manage relationships, and anticipate client needs. But Grace The Collection is where her creativity shines.

Unlike many fragrance companies that resell generic scents, DeNise works with fragrance houses to custom-create each product. “I didn’t want to put something into the world just to sell,” she explains. “I wanted it to be premium, intentional, and memorable.”

Every candle, diffuser, and room spray is designed to elevate mood, affirm worth, and create a sense of sanctuary. From scent to packaging, the brand whispers luxury without shouting for attention.

Integration Over Balance

Balancing a full-time tech career and a growing business would be enough for most, but DeNise sees it differently. “I focus more on integration than balance,” she says. “Some days are all business. Others are all Grace. I give myself permission to shift.”

Her approach to time management is guided by self-awareness. If she’s spending more than 45 minutes on a task that drains her energy, she outsources it. “Delegating is essential,” she says. “I know my strengths. And I know when to ask for help.”

Her network has been instrumental—from spreading the word to physically helping with pop-ups. “People show up for me because I’ve always shown up for them,” she says. “That kind of support is priceless.”

Leading with Excellence as a Black Woman

As a Black woman in luxury, DeNise is acutely aware of the weight her presence carries. “We don’t always get grace when something goes wrong,” she says. “So I operate with excellence from the start.”

She’s mindful that every touchpoint with her brand—whether online, at an event, or through customer service—reflects not just her business, but the broader perception of Black-owned brands. “My goal is to create an amazing product that just so happens to be Black-owned,” she explains. “That way, the focus stays on quality, not bias.”

Growth with Grace

In the next five years, DeNise envisions Grace The Collection on the shelves of major retailers, reaching a global market. She also plans to expand the product line beyond candles and fragrances to include more luxe lifestyle goods—all rooted in the same intention: helping people extend grace to themselves and others.

“I want Grace to become a household name,” she says. “Not just because of the scent, but because of what it stands for.”

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is honest and affirming: “You won’t have it all figured out on day one—and that’s okay. Just do it with excellence. Trust yourself. Trust the vision.”

Legacy in the Making

What started as a word has become a movement. Through Grace The Collection, DeNise is reminding people that luxury isn’t just about price—it’s about presence. It’s about how something makes you feel. And it’s about building with integrity, even when the path isn’t smooth.

Her legacy won’t just be the fragrances she creates—it will be the peace, confidence, and clarity she inspires in every home her brand touches.

Connect with DeNise Reese

📍 Website: www.gracethecollection.com

📧 Email: denise@gracethecollection.com

📱 Instagram: @gracethecollection

📍 Facebook: Grace The Collection