For a relatively small item, candles are capable of doing a lot of work. They can shift the mood of a space, evoke a particular scent memory, or simply make a room feel a little warmer, brighter, and more inviting. And as we’ve continued compiling Black-owned businesses to shop at, candles have come up again and again. So, below is a selection from brands we’ve written about in the past, along with new ones we heard about from Beyoncé’s “Black Parade” list, candle obsessives in our group chats, and our (rather candle-focused) Instagram feed.
Harlem Candle Company Josephine Luxury Candle, $45
Teri Johnson started luxury-candle brand Harlem Candle Company from her kitchen in 2014 and has since developed collections inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. Some are named after important figures likeJames Baldwinand Langston Hughes, while others are named for famous places like the legendary Savoy Ballroom. We particularly like the Josephine, a bright, citrusy candle with warm undertones of Moroccan rose, sandalwood, and liquid amber. All of the 12-ounce candles promise an 80-hour burn time and are made from a soy blend.
