An Introduction from Ian: The Heart and Soul Behind Olfactory Dept.

Hey everyone,

I’m Ian, the founder and head nose of Olfactory Dept. And today, I want to share a story that’s deeply personal to me—one that lies at the very heart of this brand.

Olfactory Dept. is more than just a passion project for me. It’s a tribute to my mother and the bond we shared through our travels. From a young age, she taught me that life is experienced not just through sights and sounds, but through scents—the way a place can linger in your memory long after you've left, simply because of the smell of the air, the trees, or the spices in a market. Together, we traveled the world, each destination leaving its own unique mark, and with each new scent, another story was written in my heart.

The Olfactory Series is a dedication to her, to those moments we shared in far-flung corners of the globe. Every candle in this collection is crafted from the memories of those travels, from the sun-soaked shores we wandered to the hidden paths through ancient forests. My mother had this way of making each place feel like home, even if we were thousands of miles away. And through Olfactory Dept., I wanted to bring that sense of comfort and adventure into your home, too.

Creating these scents has been my way of keeping her with me. Each fragrance in the Olfactory Series is a memory, a moment, a piece of that journey. It’s about more than just evoking a scent—it’s about capturing the emotions we shared on those travels: the serenity of a quiet morning by the sea, the exhilaration of discovering something new, and the warmth of simply being together.

When I light one of these candles, I’m transported back to those moments with her, and I hope that when you light one, it can bring a sense of peace, nostalgia, or adventure into your life as well.

Olfactory Dept. is about slowing down, embracing the beauty in the everyday, and honoring the connections we hold dear. My mother inspired me to see the world this way, and through these scents, I hope to share that gift with you.

Thank you for being part of this journey. It means more to me than words can express.

With warmth and gratitude,
Ian
Founder & Head Nose, Olfactory Dept.