Meet Qualan Faloye | Experience Architect & Homemaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Qualan Faloye and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Qualan, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
For me, the decision to keep going or give up comes down to purpose and measurable progress. With A Flare of Home, I know my mission is to create safe, inspiring spaces through scent, sound, and design. That mission keeps me grounded, especially on the hard days.

I check in with myself regularly . . .
Does the work still excite me and align with the bigger picture? If I still feel that pull, that’s a sign to keep going. I listen to the feedback I get from customers, whether it’s someone telling me one of our candles made their space feel peaceful, or they are connecting to our playlists in a meaningful way. If the brand is resonating and adding value, I know there’s purpose in continuing.

To me, it’s not about giving up. It’s about knowing when to evolve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My 10 year career in marketing & advertising hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me so much! I can confidently say that resilience, curiosity, and ambition carried me through. Knowledge is truly power.

Navigating this industry comes with many challenges, so I’ve leaned into mentorship and development programs to grow, while learning to trust my own voice and value. What I’m most proud of is finding the confidence to settle into myself – no longer shrinking to fit in, but standing fully in my light. I can be multi-hyphenated and successful.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1 – Arrival & Vibes Start with a speakeasy or listening bar – cozy, curated sound + cocktails to set the tone.

Day 2 – Culinary Adventure (I’m a foodie)
Brunch at Little Maven, dinner at Oxomoco, or late-night bites at Dim Sum Palace since NYC never sleeps.

Day 3 – Live Music
Catch an R&B DJ set at Damballa or a rooftop Afrobeat vibe in Brooklyn.

Day 4 – Culture
Explore events like CultureCon, Envsn Fest, or a classic NY block party.

Day 5 – Immersive Creativity
Hands-on fun: candlemaking (I host these myself), pottery, rug tufting, and more!

Day 6 – Explore & Recharge
Check out an immersive exhibit or pop-up art experience; walk the city for hidden gems.

Day 7 – Closing Night
Back to the music – a final stop at a favorite listening bar, soaking in the city’s rhythm one last time.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my city – New York. I was raised in The Bronx and this city as a whole has been my greatest teacher and inspiration. There’s something about New York’s energy – the resilience, the rhythm, the creativity on every corner that pushes you to dream bigger and grind harder, but also reminds you of the importance of community.

From the mentors and peers who have opened doors for me in advertising career, to the local makers, small business owners, and cultural curators who inspire me daily – New York has been both my classroom and my stage. A Flare of Home is deeply rooted in that spirit – it’s about taking the pulse of the city, with all its chaos and beauty, and transforming it into moments of peace, light, and connection.

So this shoutout is for New York – the people, the culture, and the energy that have shaped who I am and continue to fuel my journey.

Website: aflareofhome.com

Instagram: @aflareofhome

Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/ba3qUzORHJh1wY0fdx

Image Credits
@longlivechucker @modelesque_nic @mmvsee