WHO ARE YOU, WHERE ARE YOU FROM, & WHAT DO YOU DO?
Park & Madison was born out of a shared love for the power of scent-the way it can make a house feel like a home or evoke a core memory. We wanted to bottle up that cozy feeling and share it with others. Since 2014, Park & Madison has been crafting premium candles with a focus on high quality ingredients. We started as a late-night project between me and my husband in our NYC apartment. We spent hours coming up with candle blends while drinking wine and eventually decided to give it a name. The words Park & Madison were something I said often; during a late night cab ride telling the driver ” 118th street, between Park & Madison.” It felt fitting to name our brand after the place that we called home for so long. While NYC was always ‘home’, we have relocated to Charleston, SC. At Park & Madison, we make more than just candles-each scent is thoughtfully curated and crafted to capture that cozy feeling of ‘home.’

DESCRIBE YOUR PROCESS.
For me, the process begins with inspiration. I believe that crafting the perfect candle is an art form that starts with a spark of creativity. I dedicate a significant portion of my time to researching and developing the perfect scents for my candles. This process involves experimenting with different fragrance oils, mixing them to achieve the desired aroma, and conducting tests to ensure the scent’s longevity when the candle is burned. Once the scent profiles are finalized, I carefully source high-quality materials such as natural wax, wicks, and vessels. It’s important to me to use eco-friendly and sustainable materials. The actual candle-making process is a blend of science and math. I measure the ingredients precisely, taking into account factors like the size of the vessel and the fragrance used. I also pay close attention to temperature and pouring techniques to create a consistent product. Post-production involves checking quality, cutting wicks and getting them labeled and ready to ship out. The candle-making process is certainly not quick, and it can take months of research, development and testing to launch a new scent.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I see inspiration everywhere, and for me, it often starts with the link between scent and memory. Scents have this ability to transport us back to specific moments in time, evoking emotions we had almost forgotten about. It can remind you of a person, a place, or a particular moment in your life. I’m always chasing after this idea, the idea that with a simple candle, I can capture those memories and emotions for people and give them that feeling of “home.” It’s a way of bottling nostalgia, preserving moments, and creating new memories. I also find so much inspiration in the changing seasons. Each season brings its own unique scents and mood and I want to capture that.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU.
My enneagram type is 5 (with a little bit of 6) and this is so accurate. I also 100% believe in ghosts, aliens and Bigfoot and I’m even part of a Paranormal Investigation Team!

WHY DO YOU LOVE TO DESIGN, CREATE + MAKE?
Creating gives me a sense of accomplishment and allows me to put my best skills into practice. If you saw my fun fact about being an enneagram 5, then you may know I love problem solving and research. Creating often involves overcoming challenges and finding solutions, something I love to do. I also love to make others feel good and part of that is creating an amazing scent that really resonates with someone. I love to hear customers describe what a scent reminds them of.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD SHARE WITH OTHER ARTISTS + MAKERS?
My biggest piece of advice for makers today is to stay true to yourself and not be overly concerned with what others are doing. In a society heavily influenced by social media, it’s all too common to fall into the comparison trap. Your creative journey is unique and distinct from anyone else’s. Embrace your individuality, trust your instincts, and let your passion guide you. Your authenticity and originality are your greatest assets. Stay focused on your vision, keep learning and growing, and, most importantly, enjoy the process.