September 1 is meteorological fall, but we all know the true start to fall is when Starbucks finally releases their PSLs and Pumpkin Cream Cold Brews out into the wild. Justin and I got our own espresso machine so we would spend less money on Starbucks but my gosh, we cannot recreate PCCBs to save our lives... if anyone has any suggestions, feel free to comment!
Anyways, inflation, awful changes to the IG algorithm, and saturation of the candle world really took a hit on me and my motivation. I took a good, hard look at what I wanted Wayfarer's Wicks to be and how I got to this point in the business: how did I get here and what made me connect with my customers? Branding and story telling!!! I had become so disillusioned with needing to have the most luxurious style candles that I was stepping away from connecting with my customers on a personal level without even realizing.
Therefore, I rebranded. Yes! Again! But this time I feel like it is in a direction that was very necessary. I looked back on when I had the easiest time connecting with my customers and when my brand made the most sense and I wanted my latest seasonal collection to do just that. I switched to more affordable candle jars with a more rustic and vintage Wayfarer's Wicks feel and I brought back popular scents from my 2020/2021 collections. Let's dive into the inspiration!
Pumpkin Harvest
While trying to find a name for this scent, I couldn't think of one particular pumpkin patch that I loved going to as a child. There were several in south Jersey and all I honestly could remember is going on going on field trips in elementary school with my class and my mom coming along as a chaperone. While in college in Florida, there weren't many pumpkin patches and if we're being honest with ourselves - Florida doesn't get into the fall and winter like the north does. No one decorates their houses, trick or treats happen at malls instead of neighborhoods, and fall outings like visiting pumpkin patches or apple orchards isn't a thing.
When I moved back to the north-ish (i.e., Maryland... yes... MD is not the south), I started going back to doing traditional fall activities and it made me feel whole and I started enjoying the fall again! This fragrance is honestly inspired by fall activities more than anything. I wanted to bring back the popular Pumpkin Chai Latte from the Fall '20 Collection, and I did - and it is still spicy and delicious with a sweet twist!
Shenandoah Valley
While we're on the subject of fall activities, has anyone been to the Appalachians and the Shenandoah Valley during the fall?!?!?!? Yes? No? If not, you have to go, my friends. I went on a trip to Gordonsville and Charlottesville last October during the peak of the leaves changing and it was amazing. We got to winery hop and hike the Appalachian Trail.
Also in the Shenandoah Valley, we have the Front Royal/Strasburg/Winchester region. When I came up with this unique scent blend of apple cider, cranberries, spice, and green leaves, I thought of my friend who lives in Strasburg. Where she lives is rural and has farmers markets and apple orchards scattered throughout the area and considering that she was the first person I thought of when I made this blend, I wanted to name it after her.
Great Smoky Mountains
For those who have been following Wayfarer's Wicks for a while, you know that I love traveling and don't get a whole lot of chances to do so. One thing that is on my bucket list is visiting more of the U.S. National Parks. Let's be real - if there is anything the U.S. does better than ANYONE, it is the National Park system!!!! The U.S. has honestly some of the best natural beauty in the world. This country has so many unique and different climate systems...... I could go on and on but you get the gist! One park I would love to visit one day is the Great Smoky Mountains! I enjoy hiking and have not had the opportunity to see more of the Appalachian Mountain chain. From the pictures I've seen, it is an awe-inspiring sight!
One popular scent (or maybe it was popular because I just was obsessed with it) was Juniper Berry, also called Foreste del Lazio, from the Winter '20-'21 Collection. I wanted to bring it back with more of a nature-y and woodsy twist. This blend has notes of juicy, ripe juniper berry, currants, pine, and smoked oud.
Old Ellicott City
The last one in the collection is probably my favorite because I have such a deep appreciation for this historical town. Recently, Justin and I took both ghost tours in OEC and I learned so much of the history. It blew my mind that I never learned of this town and its significance when I was in school learning about the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. I honestly could talk about OEC for ages, so to spare your time, I highly suggest taking a visit to OEC and doing the ghost tours, or reading this WaPo article about the town's history:
click me!
I brought this goodie back from the Winter '21-'22 Collection because it was a hit with the customers and a hit with me! I love my pine scented candles. This candle has notes of fresh rosemary, frosted cedarwood, and pine needles, with hints of sage.
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