The secrets of Glasshouse: Founder names the candle she ALWAYS has in her home, the global best seller and the ‘perfect’ gift scent

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past twenty years, you’ve probably heard and at least smelled the exotic scents. Kas candles.

The company, which has established itself as the leading fragrance brand in the Southern Hemisphere, is known for its stunning packaging, unique, city-inspired ranges and – especially at this time of year – enticing gift boxes.

Now, ahead of its busiest season, founder Nicole Eckels has revealed some of the brand’s biggest secrets, including her personal favorites, its bestsellers and how she manages to come up with such inspiring new scents.

Nicole, a New Yorker who lived in Sydney for 20 years, founded Glasshouse in 2005 to fill the ‘luxury’ candle gap in the market – despite many doubting it would work.

Long story short, it did.

‘I’ve always loved the power of scent to transport you – whether it’s a memory, a feeling or a place. Candles have always been an essential part of my life; they create atmosphere and make a house feel like a home,” she tells FEMAIL.

‘I wanted to create a brand that brought that feeling of warmth and luxury into people’s lives, without the high price tag. And I think that’s what Glasshouse Fragrances has done so well: make luxury fragrance accessible to everyone.”

Some of Nicole’s earliest memories involve her mother’s perfumes: the beautiful bottles on her dressing table and the way the scents filled the air.

The brand has just released its famous Christmas range (pictured)

‘As a teenager I noticed my mother starting to use home perfumes and I loved the cozy, inviting atmosphere. It became part of her ritual and every time they were lit, I felt a sense of warmth,” she recalls.

Her journey really began when she started working in the cosmetics industry, spending many years at Chanel.

‘That’s where I really started to appreciate the depth of my olfactory senses. While I may forget names, I can immediately recall and identify almost any scent,” she says.

‘The real turning point, however, came when I moved to Australia. There I decided to turn my passion for fragrances into a career, and that’s when Glasshouse Fragrances was born.’

Which three candles do you always have at home, regardless of the season?

1. Forever Florence: For the way it comforts and envelops you, like a big, cozy, powdery flower hug.

2. Sunsets in Capri: Summer seems to last a little longer with the spicy scent of tangerine and peach that lingers longer than the sun.

3. Midnight in Milan: For the way it makes you feel powerful and sexy as it takes you to one of the most inspiring cities in the world and leaves you with a hole of rose and saffron.

“While I may forget names, I can immediately recall and identify almost any scent,” says Nicole

The A Tahaa Affair soy candle (shown in purple) is by far the bestseller and is often sold out in certain regions

What is the perfect scent to give as a gift?

When it comes to gifting candles, I always go for scents that are fresh and balanced – something everyone loves.

Citrus and fresh notes are always a safe bet, which is why I often opt for our Amalfi Coast and Sea Mist candles. They are refreshing and uplifting, making them perfect for any occasion.

Which candle sells out more than any other?

Us A Tahaa affair soy candle is by far our best seller and is often sold out in certain regions.

People just love it; it’s a perfect balance of sweet and warm, and it has a big following. We put so much time, care and love into what we do, and it makes us feel very proud to see that people love the products.

The other best-selling candles are Kyoto in Bloom and One Night in Rio.

How do you get such unique scents?

I have the privilege of working with an incredible team of perfumers, and our process of creating unique fragrances starts with a lot of creativity and research. We strive to create fragrances that are not just ordinary, but that truly inspire and transport our customers.

For us, it’s not just about the scent itself, but also about the experience it evokes. Above all, we want to ensure that our fragrances perform exceptionally well across all formats.

Our aim is to satisfy even the most discerning fragrance lover, ensuring that every candle, diffuser or product delivers both quality and impact.

What has been your biggest business challenge so far?

Perfecting the craftsmanship of our products. Although many brands in our sector outsource production to contract manufacturers, we have consciously chosen to produce all our candles and diffusers ourselves.

It’s been a long journey and honing this skill over the years has brought challenges, but I’m happy to say we’ve finally achieved the quality we set out to create.

To be honest, I haven’t come across a candle or diffuser that matches the quality of Glasshouse Fragrances – something we are incredibly proud of.

What is your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to enter the consumer market?

Stay true to what you believe in and never underestimate the power of patience.

Building a brand takes time and you have to be ready to weather the tough times.

Surround yourself with great people, stay focused and be willing to adapt when necessary.