United by a shared desire to break the mold and let creativity run loose, Ingrid and Erica founded The New Savant in the summer. Crafted with sourcing items from domestic suppliers, metal vessels (which are infinitely recyclable), and minimal packaging materials, their scented candles pay tribute to the scents that connect with everyone differently, on a deeply personal level.
Handcrafted with the utmost care and infused with an enormous dose of artistry, The New Savant candles are designed by co-founder, Ingrid Nilsen, and brought to life by master perfumers. Burn them for the best olfactory experience and get ready to meet the founders:
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Hi, Ingrid and Erica. Can you tell us more about yourselves?
Ingrid:
Hi! I’m co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at THE NEW SAVANT. I got the idea to start TNS in the summer after I looked at a candle and wondered, “could I make that?” So I made a trip to the local craft store, got some basic materials, and made my first candle. I immediately fell in love. I spent the next few months sourcing items from across the U.S. –– vessels, wax, wicks, and oils –– and mixing, making, burning, and testing. I became obsessed with making the perfect candle, and I think we’ve come pretty darn close.
Erica:
Hi, Scentbird! I’m the other co-founder and CEO of THE NEW SAVANT. When Ingrid shared with me her idea for TNS, I immediately wanted to help her bring it to life. I spent the first part of my career in tech x media (MTV, CBS, Twitter and Google) and while I loved that chapter, it brings me so much joy to focus on analog experiences that bring me into the present moment. Which is why I love building TNS with Ingrid and our team.
Knowing your creative background, we would love to hear all about your unique fragrance philosophy
Ingrid:
As the scent designer for TNS, I want to create experiences that challenge us to think differently about what smells “good” or “bad”. This is why I use notes that can be polarizing – like patchouli in The Dropout or dill in Heatwave and mix them in a way that creates something welcoming and new.
What is scent scaping and why do you enjoy it?
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Ingrid:
Scent scaping is creating a different mood for different spaces through smell. One of my favorite parts of having guests over is scent scaping. Before they arrive, I think about how I want them to feel when they walk into the entryway, the living room or the kitchen. Maybe I want to surprise them when they walk into the bathroom. So I light candles in these various places to create that mood. What I’m creating is a scent story. Make your house look good.
I love experiencing how the scents blend together, too.
How do California Christmas and Only in New York play into your own holiday traditions? What were the inspirations behind their creation?
Ingrid:
California Christmas and Only in New York, as a duet, is about the traditions we are born into and the traditions we create.
California Christmas is based on my childhood holidays in Palm Springs. And Only in New York is inspired by the life I’ve chosen for myself in a city that I love with an expanded version of family.
How do these two candles play into your product philosophy, ‘one-of-a-kind olfactory experiences?’
Ingrid:
We are really trying to break the mold of how things are done – from how we are running our business to how we are presenting the candle to how we are using notes in different ways.
These two candles play into philosophy because each one is totally original. They are a duet, designed intentionally to be burned together. We are taking what people think they know about fragrances and surprising them.
Why do you think candles are the perfect addition to the holidays?
Ingrid:
Candles add warmth and light to a season that is typically darker. They can encourage a sense of ease and comfort when you’re in a gathering.
What’s your favorite holiday tradition?
Ingrid:
For the last decade, I’ve been concocting a new hot chocolate recipe every year. It usually represents something I’ve been inspired by throughout the year, or what I’ve enjoyed. When I look at years past, hot chocolate acts as a sort of time capsule for my creative growth and personal taste.
What does your home(s) smell like during the holidays?
Ingrid:
This year it’s going to smell like our holiday trio: California Christmas, Only in New York, and Harvey’s Table, all together!
Try THE NEW SAVANT Only in New York candle here: https://www.scentbird.com/ecommerce/candle/the-new-savant-only-in-new-york-2769
THE NEW SAVANT California Christmas candle here: https://www.scentbird.com/ecommerce/candle/the-new-savant-california-christmas-2767
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Follow @Scentbird on Instagram for more scent launches and newness throughout, behind-the-scenes news, products, and offers.
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