Today, we’re sitting down with the bold and unapologetically creative Matthew Dean Stewart, whose sensual candle creations are as provocative as they are aromatic. Dive into the world of candle making and discover what inspires this fiery talent to light up the room—both literally and figuratively.
Why candles? What made you want to dip yourself into candle culture?
Candles came to me during the lockdown when everyone was starting new activities! I was scrolling through TikTok and saw someone making them and thought, “Oh, I can do that!” Once I started talking to my friends while I was in R&D, I quickly realized how many people buy candles (and how fast they go through them).
Tell me about your process. Are the candles handmade? Where? By whom?
Every one of my candles is made 100% by me in my studio in Brooklyn! I’ve upgraded a few times to accommodate my growth. It’s been a fun journey, and it helps keep my work separate from my personal life. Plus, it always smells yummy! ;)
Your scents have some lively names. I’m curious—how do you come up with them? Any salacious stories that inspired a particular scent?
The name comes first, and the scent comes second. I never work with a scent profile unless I have a name that fits with my brand. I have a notes app with hundreds of names—some I’ve used, some I’ve reworked into others, and some are just sitting there, waiting to be used! But they all have to be fun, cute, and, of course, a little cheeky.
‘Cruising’ is my favorite scent because it uses a note called petrichor, which basically smells like a forest after rain. So when people pick it up, you can tell they’ve smelled it before. I always make the same joke: “It’s a core memory, huh?” And they immediately understand.
Creatives tend to have other talents. What else do you do to fulfill your creative needs?
I’m also a photographer. So any photos you’ve seen of my candles? I’m the one who took them. I’m not very good at delegating work to others, so this way I’m the only one who can get in trouble! Plus, it’s another creative outlet for me. I also photograph people when I find the time.
What’s next? Could be a candle, could be your life, or the next boy. ;)
I have lots of big plans for what’s next. I smell a rebrand coming along, as well as a cheeky photography zine inspired by one of my favorite scents. Just gotta get the work done, but it’s my 4th anniversary, so we WILL be celebrating BIG!
Shop our collection here!
