The Story Behind The Scents
Our crafted scents come with unique stories that evoke nostalgia and reveal the inspiration behind our Signature Line creations. Discover the narratives that enrich each fragrance.
Blossom Shoppe
This candle exemplifies Bob Ross's adage, "We don't make mistakes, we have accidents," which encapsulates the spirit of our Blossom Shoppe. During our inaugural couples-making night, I encouraged my husband to participate alongside our friends. Inspired by the idea of combining orange and mint, I was initially unsure of how the two scents would harmonize, but I decided to proceed with the blend. Weeks later, after the candle had cured, I lit the candle in our bedroom and went about my evening routine as mother and wife. As my family and I were preparing for bed, my husband inquired if I had flowers upstairs. To our astonishment the entire upstairs was infused with the fragrance reminiscent of a blooming flower shop. This scent has since become a beloved addition to our signature and is my aunt's favorite, proving that taking chances can lead to beautiful results!
Catawba Peach
ISFH was established on Catawba Island, renowned for its exceptional peaches. The quality of peaches cultivated on the 16.9 square miles of Catawba is unparalleled. When I decided to incorporate a peach scent into our product line, naming it after this region was a natural choice. Our family's preferred orchard, Schwan Orchards, not only offers these exquisite peaches but also provides a variety of canned goods and other produce. In the summer of 2021, I made the strategic decision to enhance ISFH by launching a brick-and-mortar store. To my astonishment, my landlord turned out to be Brad Schwan, the owner of Schwan Orch. His support has been invaluable to my business, and his exclusive line of Catawba Peach candles can be found at his farm stand.
Lemon Cake
Throughout my grandparents' experience raising their children, they formed a lasting friendship with the Carsey family. The matriarch, Francis, was distinguished for her exceptional lemon cake, crafted from fresh lemons and elegantly topped with a powdered sugar glaze, which was frequently requested at family gatherings. She generously passed the recipe to my grandmother, who subsequently shared it with our family. This cake remains my favorite, closely rivaled only by the Raspberry Crumble Cake from Yellow House Bakery. I felt was essential to pay tribute to Francis, not only for enduring friendship with our family but also for her remarkable culinary creations.
Library Books
As a dedicated reader, it was only fitting to develop a scent that reflects my passion for literature. Some of my most cherished memories revolve around exploring the aisles of my local library, and the fragrance evokes a sense of nostalgia that feels instinctively familiar. Coming from a family of avid readers, I have held a book in my hand since childhood. Despite experiencing challenges during my early years, literature consistently served as a refuge from reality. From the writings of Harper Lee and John Steinbeck to those of Freida McFadden and Kristin Hannah, books provide a much-needed escape to help my mind find a moment of peace amidst the busyness of daily life.
Olive Oatman
I grew up just 30 minutes away from Oatman, Arizona, in the agricultural community of Mohave Valley. During weekends, my family went off-roading in our Jeepster, and we frequently ventured into the mountains to explore Oatman. This historic mining town, nestled in the Black Mountains, is a true hidden gem of the Southwest. Visitors can explore numerous gift shops, discover delightful rock candy and gemstones, interact with the main street's donkeys, and even witness an old-fashioned gunfight. After visiting the Therman Hotel, it offers the opportunity to dine in a restaurant and place a dollar bill on the wall, a nod to where Clark Gable and Carole Lombard honeymooned. I have long been fascinated by Olive Oatman and her remarkable life. She represents strength and resilience, having faced and overcome significant adversity. When I envisioned this scent, I felt compelled to name it after the most extraordinary woman I had encountered.
Olive Oatman. More information about her life and legacy can be found here: https://ehistory.osu.edu/biographies/olive-oatman.
Sleep Sweet
Many parents tuck their children in with the phrase, "sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite." In contrast, my family has embraced a more tender and intimate saying: "sleep sweet." This phrase has been a cherished tradition, first whispered to me by my grandmother, and I have since passed it down to my daughter. The balanced tones of Lavender, Cedar, and Sandalwood allow you to envision those soothing words and recognize that this scent warranted a name reflecting its tranquility.
