We’ve fallen hard for Birch & Brook with their beautiful fragrances all about capturing the experience the scent provokes, taking you back to a summer festival, days spent wandering through an old library or discovering a secret garden. We wanted to know more about the woman behind the brand so have asked founder Jessica Jones to fill us in on what led her to create such quintessentially English candles.
The beginnings of Birch & Brook
Birch & Brook was founded by Jessica Jones in 2013. With a background in fine art and design and a passion for fragrance, Jessica found it was a natural progression to express creative ideas through the medium of scent. Growing up in Suffolk, and having lived in London for the past 15 years, she drew upon her own memories and inherent Britishness to create a collection of candles which encapsulate the joys of slow living, encouraging people to take time out to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Candles that capture nostalgic experiences
Birch & Brook offers a unique perspective on fragrance and captures the ‘experience of scent’. Each of our fragrances creates a sense of place inspired by Jessica’s own upbringing. For example, Dressing Room is reminiscent of her grandmother’s dressing table and the smell of old fashioned make-up and rose water. Library, a leathery, woody fragrance is inspired by antique bookshops and days spent studying at the V&A. Each distinct fragrance has been created by Jessica in partnership with leading perfumers and each box has been designed ‘in house’ by Jessica with vintage textile prints personal to each candle, creating a truly unique collection.
Birch & Brook’s favourite candle
Library is a distinctly unisex fragrance and has a unique quality that our customers love. The candle was inspired by Jessica’s days studying in the V&A library surrounded by old leather bound books and scribbling pencils. Enclosed in Guaiac wood and patchouli, this aromatic scent tells a story of discovery and contemplation. Cinnamon, clove buds, and soft base notes of cedar and moss all recall the quiet decadence of a stolen afternoon, lost in the world of a long forgotten book.
Within 6 months of launching it was a finalist at the 2014 Beauty Shortlist Awards for ‘Best Luxury Candle’ and has gained legions of followers from fashion publications to bloggers to master perfumers such as Mark Buxton. Recent features include Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Bella J, SheerLuxe and You Magazine.
All about the candles
Our candles are made from 100% natural wax blend with a natural cotton wick. We have chosen this wax as there are no toxins, carcinogens or pollutants which means it’s less likely to trigger allergies. The wax is also biodegradable, made from renewable sources and it’s longer lasting – soy wax burns cooler which means that you can enjoy your soy wax candle for generally 30-50% longer than a paraffin candle. All of our materials, including packaging, are sourced from the UK so we do all we can to support our local industries.
Top tip: if you like the smoky aroma of lapsang souchong tea, try our Fireside candle.
Awards
Library (30cl) – finalist 2014 Beauty Shortlist Awards ‘Best Luxury Candle’
Secret Garden (30cl) – Finalist 2015 Beauty Shortlist Awards ‘Best Luxury Candle’
Sarah Akwiscombe “Best Masculine Fragrance” 2015
