May Reign is a poet, author, International Spoken Word artist, and entrepreneur. She's also a proud Black woman, lesbian, wife, mother, and grandmother. 

Reign recently joined the Human Rights Campaign as the Co-Chair of Membership Outreach and Volunteer Engagement.

These days, Reign spends half of her time traveling the country performing as a spoken word artist — recently opening for Malcolm Jamal Warner. Nurturing her passion project, Moonflower Essentials occupies the rest of Reign's time.

"Moonflower Essentials is blooming," Reign said. "I created the candle bar to facilitate a safe space, offering a unique candle-making experience that would foster inclusion, diversity, and creativity for every person who attends, no matter their background or orientation."

It has two locations — a kiosk at Pembroke Gardens Mall. The other in Miami Gardens is a brick-and-mortar store featuring candle-making classes. It's becoming a popular venue for candle-making parties. It's the first LGBT-owned or Black-owned candle bar in Miami Gardens.

Reign plans to restart her spoken word events at her Miami Gardens store at 17942 NW 27th Ave.

Reign's brand, Moonflower Essentials, takes its name from moonflowers, the beautiful plants that only bloom at night when the moon is out.

"When you come from a bit of struggle, I definitely want people to know that you can survive," Reign said. "Not only can you survive, but you can thrive and make it out of some dark places just like moonflowers." 

To learn more about May Reign and Moonflower Essentials, visit https://www.mayreign.com/.

Homepage: OUT & PROUD 50 2023