Scent & Memory: Why Certain Smells Instantly Transport You
The Powerful Connection Between Scent & Memory
Have you ever caught a whiff of something familiar and—just like that—you’re transported back in time? Maybe it’s the smell of cookies baking that takes you straight to your grandmother’s kitchen, or a certain cologne that reminds you of someone you used to know. Scent is one of the most powerful senses we have, and it has a direct link to our emotions and memories.
I don’t want to get too science-heavy, but here’s the basic reason why: the olfactory bulb, which processes smell, is directly connected to the limbic system—the part of the brain responsible for emotions and memory storage. That’s why scents can bring back the most vivid recollections, even ones you haven’t thought about in years.
But beyond science, scent is personal. The memories tied to a smell are unique to you, and that’s what makes it so special.
Scents That Instantly Bring Me Back
I have so many of these scent memories. The smell of a certain toothpaste instantly takes me back to a childhood home I lived in. The scent of chicken noodle soup? That’s my grandma’s house, through and through. Takes me back to being pampered and cozy watching movies when we were sick as kids.
Scents can be emotional, comforting, and deeply personal. And when I create candles, I love thinking about the kind of memories and moods they might evoke for someone else.
How Scent Can Transform a Space
Scent is one of the easiest ways to change how a home feels.
- Warm, rich scents create a cozy, inviting environment—think vanilla, amber, or woodsy notes.
- Bright citrus and fresh green scents feel uplifting, energizing, and make a space feel clean and open.
- Subtle, earthy scents like palo santo or herbal blends bring a sense of calm and grounding.
I love that simply lighting a candle can shift the mood of a room. Whether it’s making a space feel cozier, more refreshed, or even more nostalgic, scent has a way of setting the tone for the entire atmosphere.
The Memories & Moods Behind My Candles
Each of my candles is designed to feel like an experience—like stepping into a moment, a place, or a memory. Here are a few of my favorites and the feelings they capture:
Take a Hike – More than just a pine scent, this candle smells like crisp mountain air after a fresh snowfall. The eucalyptus adds a cool, fresh quality, while a hint of wood smoke makes it feel like there’s a cabin nearby with a fire burning.
French Press – Warm, nutty, and rich—this candle is slow mornings in a jar. It smells like freshly brewed coffee but with deeper, toasted notes that remind me of watching the world wake up while savoring that first sip.
Ghost Town – Moody, a little dusty, and completely unique. There’s something both familiar and intriguing about this scent, like wandering through a forgotten place where nature is slowly reclaiming its space. It’s eerie in the best way.
Each of our scents has a story, and I love hearing when customers tell me that one of my candles brings them back to a special place or moment.
Customers & Their Scent Memories
I’ve had so many customers tell me that my candles remind them of places they’ve been—vacations in the mountains, cozy lodges, or even their childhood homes. One customer told me that one of my candles smelled exactly like her grandfather’s house, and she had just recently lost him. That made the scent incredibly special to her.
These moments are why I do what I do. Scent is such a personal experience, and I love knowing that my candles help people reconnect with memories that mean something to them.
How to Choose a Candle That Feels Nostalgic to You
If you want to create a more comforting, nostalgic space using scent, my advice is simple: follow your nose.
Scent is so subjective—two people can smell the same candle and have completely different reactions to it. Instead of choosing a scent based on its description alone, think about how it makes you feel. Does it remind you of a place? A person? A season of life? That connection is what makes a scent truly special.
The Emotion Behind Lighting a Candle
For me, candles aren’t just about making a space smell good—they’re about how they make you feel in that space. I want my candles to feel like an extension of you—something that helps you feel calm, present, and at home.
Scent has the power to transport us, to comfort us, and to help us slow down and savor the moment. That’s what I love about what I do.
Looking for a candle that feels like home? Explore the collection here →