SCOUT COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS - Vianney from Hunter Candles
Some of you may remember the pop-up candle shop that was at the back of Scout Pilates (which has since then been transformed into our current Studio 3!) or you may be very familiar with the delicious earthy smell that floats around our studio… Vianney is the amazing lady behind Hunter Candles and as candle season is well at its peak right now, we took a moment to sit down with her to hear all the magic and the behind-the-scenes of her candle-making journey. This is deliciously inspiring, just keep reading…
Hi Vianney can you share a little bit of your background and what brought you to this passion for candle-making?
Sure! My background has a wide variety of skills which has influenced what Hunter is today! The first part of my life, I was a professional singer. Travelling the world, singing in some of the most incredible countries, and renowned venues. After 6 years in the music industry, I moved into a more corporate role, looking after many heads in customer service related departments, as well as photography and hospitality. In this role, I developed many business skills, as well as marketing and people management. Whilst in this role, as a creative outlet, I started learning the art of making candles. I've always been creative. This is heavily influenced by my Mother, who was an interior stylist and a photographer. I was always dragged along to shoots for as long as I can remember!
Can you tell us more about the story of Hunter Candles?
Hunter Candles began over 10 years ago unintentionally! We used to be gifted candles all the time. Loved the look of a burning candle but was always wanting more from the scents that were available locally to us. I was intrigued initially on how to construct, and make a scented soy wax candle, then became completely addicted once lifting the covers to an entire world of invisible poetry. I began making them in my kitchen and gifting them to family and friends. Not long after a few of the Hunter's were circling the friendship group, requests piled in for purchases! We set up an Etsy store, and poured late at night after work. Our signature scent style was always on the more earthy, rich, handsome feel. Playing with woods, leaves, herbs, leathers and all parts of citrus! Traditionally, and classically there are many floral scents, and while we respect, and adore this style, we found ourselves being drawn to grounding and sexy scents. We always knew at the heart of Hunter Candles was the people who inspire us, the community, and the vibrant streets of Newtown where we live. Still to this day, I hand pour each candle. We got to know our people from many local markets, and of course our first pop up store out the back of Scout Pilates just over two years ago. We listened to them, developed countless scents, even one inspired by our time in Scout Pilates, called May Lane! A mysterious, and moody blend of Oudh wood, fir needle and patchouli. From here, we moved into our first warehouse on May Street, where we hand pour all the candles, and welcome everyone to experience what we are about. It's been incredible, and allowed us to develop our signature feel.
What makes your candles so special and different from the rest?
Scent is so particular and personal. That is why there are countless candle's out there! I believe what makes us different is our raw and honest ability to share our scents, why they were created and what they are intended to make you feel. After all, candles are an incredible way to alter your mood, enhance a feeling and even provoke memory! We do however find we collect people who are yearning to experience something new, something a little different to your french pear, and coconut and lime. We spend years researching and testing unique scents to share. Always keeping true to the earthy, green, woody, outdoor feel. Try our grapefruit rind, olive leaf, and eucalyptus bark. It will transport you to dipping your toes in a bubbling creek, under a dewy green canopy. A peaceful burn.
What does a typical weekday at Hunter Candles look like?
I'm not too sure there is a typical day! We always begin the day by lighting all the candles in the space. Our warehouse is large, so we have a few on the go. It's great when people pop in, as we can show them what the candles hot throw is like! After this, the girls and I will chat about the day, it usually consists of popping all the special orders together, chatting to customers, always pouring a few hundred candles, and taking basil for laps around the oval! We are always chatting to our Instagram followers, so the girls usually get roped into doing something for the stories. Once we danced. It was a one time thing. Haha. I am always developing new scents. We have 5 new scents coming out this year... and let me tell you, they are incredible! So I am usually going through packaging, marketing timelines, creating the scent story and perfecting the scent!
What do you most love about your job / candle-making?
Candle making is a tricky science, however the endless possibility of creating something that makes people feel is the absolute greatest part of creating candles. Hearing how they have touched people, and what they mean to them, is incredible. The people are what has kept me going, and what continues to inspire me.
Where does your inspiration for creating new scents/new collections come from?
The inspiration process is dependent on what the purpose of the scent is for. It all begins with feeling. As an example, we recently released The Grounded Collection, which draws inspiration from the far-flung locales that define Australia’s rich and raw landscape. The collection features four distinct scents, each heroing a bespoke blend of nostalgic notes and classic oils destined to have hearts feeling grounded.
During these past two years, we’ve been forced to rekindle our relationship with what’s in our own backyard. We’ve found ourselves rediscovering hidden gems around Australia, and reconnecting with memories of a simpler time. These scents are truly special, and I want people to feel that they’re discovering something entirely unique and untouched.
What candle are you most proud of?
I am absolutely most proud of Mountain Ash in The Grounded Collection. It's an eclectic blend of crushed basil, peppered ivy and green ash. It grabs a hold of you, and stops you in your tracks! Is it fresh? Is it earthy? or spicy! For me, it's the best smell of crushing fresh herbs in your hand, sprinkling cracked pepper over them with a drop of lemon, on a mountain in the southern highlands at dusk, then pressing that against your nose. I am in love, with Mountain Ash.
What qualities are required for candle making?
PATIENCE, and weirdly, mathematics. Creativity! Story telling! With a dash of crazy, in the most intriguing way. I also think you need to have a inquisitive, and daring quality, to think beyond what's presented to you.
When you’re not at Hunter Candles, what are you up to / how do you like to spend your free time?
This is rare for me, and something I need to work on! Usually I will be walking our dog Basil around Newtown, or out to dinner at either Bella Brutta, or Continental Deli to over indulge in fantastic food and wine. Not a moment goes by though when I am not jotting down experiences of smell, either in the streets, or trees, or from a new wine from P&V!
Finally, where can we find your candles?
You can find us at www.huntercandles.com.au, on here you can see where we are stocked around Australia. We are also on the iconic, or you can pop in store. Stay tuned for store updates..! And as a special treat for the Scout community, we are offering a 10% off discount with the code SCOUT10 to be used in store or online at checkout!