The Stories She Told: How My Nan Sparked a World of Scented Magic
Before there were scent stories, there were bedtime tales. The kind that danced through the air like stardust, told in a soft, familiar voice that wrapped around us like a warm blanket. My earliest memories of storytelling begin with my nan—an endlessly imaginative woman who had a gift for turning ordinary evenings into magical adventures.
She didn’t need a book or a plan. Just a spark of creativity and a room full of little listeners. My brother, my cousins, and I would sit, wide-eyed, as she wove tales from thin air. Her stories didn’t rely on big heroes or well-known characters—instead, they were set in whimsical, fairy-like worlds filled with enchanted woods, mysterious creatures, and secret places that only we could find. She believed in the magic of things, and somehow, when she told stories, we did too.
When I had my sons, it warmed my heart to see her continue that tradition with them. Her voice, now a little softer, still carried the same sparkle. And when my mum picked up the storytelling baton, adding her own colourful characters and adventures, it became something even more special—a legacy passed down through generations. Even now, my boys talk about those stories with such love and nostalgia. They’re some of their favourite childhood memories.
Looking back, I realise that my love of storytelling—and the heart of Flourish Emporium—was born in those quiet, magical moments. Today, every fragrance I create begins with a story or a memory I want to capture. The scent comes second; the emotion, always first. I think that’s why our customers feel such a connection to our scents—because they aren’t just products. They’re moments, bottled.
My personal favourite will always be Grandad’s Garden. As the only granddaughter, I had a special bond with my grandfather. He planted a garden full of peonies for me to gift to teachers, and those beautiful blooms became a symbol of our connection. That scent, and the story behind it, are woven with love, memory, and meaning. It’s the story I cherish most.
In a way, I feel like I’m carrying on the storytelling tradition that my nan began all those years ago. Only now, I tell those stories through scent—each candle a chapter, each fragrance a fairy tale. I hope that when someone lights one of our candles, they feel a little spark of nostalgia, a gentle sense of wonder. But most of all, I hope they find space to write their own scented story too.
Because the magic she gave me? It’s still glowing. And it always will be.
With Love,
L x