Charlotte Spencer
The Artisan Behind the Scent
Written by Amanda Plester
I first had the pleasure of smelling one of Charlotte Spencer's Christmas candles whilst on a much-anticipated annual pilgrimage to Burford Garden Centre (and I know it's early in the piece to be interrupting myself, but if you haven't been to Burford Garden Centre, then put it on the 'very urgent' list and thank me later).
Discovering Charlotte's fragrances was one of those rare moments of hitting retail therapy gold. Her products combine beautiful scent, thoughtful design and genuine expertise, creating a home fragrance range that feels welcoming, relaxing, invigorating and indulgent.
FROM SCIENCE TO SCENT
Based in the Cotswolds, Charlotte hand-pours her collection of natural candles, wax melts, reed diffusers and scent oils using botanical waxes, carefully selected fragrance blends and an unwavering attention to detail. What makes her work especially fascinating is the path that led her here. With a background in science, aromatherapy and teaching, Charlotte brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and creativity to every product she makes.
Long before launching her home fragrance business in 2018, Charlotte worked as a lifestyle journalist in the Middle East, where she became immersed in the rich aromas of oud, spices and traditional fragrance rituals. Combined with her training as a clinical aromatherapist, these experiences continue to influence the way she thinks about scent: not simply as a fragrance, but as something that can shape atmosphere, evoke memories and help us feel at ease.
THE ARTISAN "SCENTIST" MAKER
Every product is still hand-poured in small batches from her Cotswold workshop. Her distinctive apothecary-inspired aesthetic, with its dark glass vessels and vintage botanical feel, was inspired by both her scientific background and a collection of antique chemist bottles belonging to her grandmother. The result is a range that feels timeless, elegant and a little reminiscent of an old herbalist's shelves. Charlotte's choice of classic packaging allows her products to sit comfortably alongside all styles of home décor.
One of the things I admire most about Charlotte is the breadth of her knowledge about fragrance. She combines the creativity of a "scentist" with the curiosity of a scientist, carefully testing every blend for performance, safety and scent throw before it ever reaches a customer's home. Florrie customers have already commented on how wonderfully the fragrances travel before the candle has even been lit. And if that's not enough, she has also designed and registered her own apothecary-inspired wax burner.
CANDLES AND DAILY RITUALS
Alongside her fragrance business, Charlotte continues to work as both a therapist and meditation teacher, helping others find moments of calm and wellbeing. It feels fitting that so much of that philosophy carries through into her products. Whether it's lighting a candle at the end of a busy day or filling a room with a favourite scent, her collection is all about creating small daily rituals that are quietly indulgent and restorative, something that I fully endorse and actively encourage.
EFFORTLESS CHRISTMAS GIFTING
We're chuffed to bits to feature Charlotte and her beautiful home fragrance collection as one of our first artisan makers. If you're looking for comforting scents, the cosy warm glow of apothecary glass to style your home this autumn or thoughtful gifts, her range is well worth exploring. And this year I won't have to travel to Burford Garden Centre to get my Christmas candle fix... then again, their food hall is the stuff of dreams!