Hunter Candles
Inspired by interior design and the people around her, Vianney Hunter captures personality in bespoke candles for Hunter Candles, handcrafted in Sydney.
Words: Emma-Kate Wilson
Vianney Hunter from Hunter Candles in her Newtown studio and showroom. Photo: Gabe Hutchinson
‘The process of developing a new scent varies - the one thing that remains is that it always begins with the same question, what do I want the person burning this to feel?’ says Vianney Hunter. Photo & Styling: The Life Style Edit
Vianney Hunter first started dreaming up her candle business over ten years ago after learning the art of candle making. After many years of testing, trialling, failing, and finally succeeding, she began gifting her creations to family and friends, the demand growing and people offering to buy them.
‘I began learning and discovering the art of candle making about ten years ago, purely because I was intrigued about where the scents came from to create a candle, and if there were more possibilities than what I saw offered in the market,’ Vianney reflects. ‘Turns out, there was more to life than coconut and lime!’
With a full-time job, Vianney first worked on Hunter Candles by night, developing her business through curiosity and risk — now celebrating the Australia-wide company as her primary business with a shop and warehouse in Newtown. ‘Over the years, we have learnt from many mistakes, listened to our customers, and educated ourselves more each day, which has shaped Hunter into what it is today,’ she adds.
Hunter Candles express concepts of the “sexy, earthy, industrial sheike.” ‘We wanted to create a candle that would complement a decor that hero's natural pieces, warm colours, that's clean and simple,’ Vianney shares.
The range continues to develop through testing and tweaking. The collection first inspired by familiar scents are now handcrafted through exclusive collaborations with perfumers — each aroma personified through this bespoke scent crafting, inspired by the people and art-filled streets of Newtown.
‘If you had told me we would have a warehouse with a shop purely for Hunter 3 years ago, I would have laughed,’ says Vianney Hunter. Photo: Vianney Hunter
Pouring candles in the Hunter Candles in Newtown studio and showroom. Photo: Gabe Hutchinson
“I’ve grown up with interior design in my blood, so that sings through in everything we do for Hunter.”
‘My mother always educated us on landscapes and botanicals, and still to the day, will pluck geranium, and verbena from plants, crush them and press them into our noses. I adore the scents; they are so lively and elegant,’ says Vianney Hunter. Photo & Styling: The Life Style Edit
The very first Hunter Candle scent — fig tree — is inspired by Vianney's mum, Deborah, who came as smell-encouragement when the candle crafter was overwhelmed with the vast selection of oils and aromas. ‘Deborah is smart, sophisticated, creative, warm, and complex. Down to earth, but unmistakably unique,’ Vianney muses. ‘I began with a deep woody base and built from there. Mum always adored figs, eating them and styling them, so this was a great core to the scene.’
James was conjured after Vianney's first date with her partner after he cooked up a memorable dish. ‘It was light, luscious, smokey and moreish,’ she remembers. ‘It stuck with me throughout our relationship, so I decided to create a scent for him based around this dish! The James is a yuzu and smoke blend. Zesty, smokey, mysterious, and delicious. We call it the foodies' candle!’
Collaborations with artisans and local companies and restaurants feature — KAH Glass's (Katie Ann Houghton) handblown jars filled with Orange Peel, White Pepper and White Cedar or with perfumer Ainslie Walker for a Smoked Negroni in a smouldering smokey grey KAH Glass handblown vessel. Vianney's love of 212 Blu coffee in Newtown makes an appearance in a Coffee, Cedar, and Saffron series, plus the iconic Chiswick Woollahra's Native Bee Honey and Thyme are captured in a signature scent.
‘The process of developing a new scent does vary,’ Vianney shares. ‘The one thing that remains is that it always begins with the same question, what do I want the person burning this to feel?’
From inviting ingredients from a dish or conceptual smells for a musical (Hamilton the Musical being one client!), Hunter Candles are always unique — obsessed with making you feel good, bringing joy and style to our homes. With a new Australian-themed range on the way, plus workshops and events, Hunter Candles always intrigue, making them a company to keep a close eye on.
‘I do always find myself drawn to the more sexy, traditionally masculine type scents with a touch of minerals. Leaves, woods, herbs are my go-to's! Something you can burn all day and into the early hours of the morning,’ says Vianney Hunter. Photo & Styling: The Life Style Edit