Between the Sheets: Vianney Hunter of Hunter Candles

Part of living a simpler life is finding beauty in the the everyday. Seemingly ordinary objects can often evoke memories or emotions we experienced in the past. In fact, sociologist, Sherry Turkle thinks of objects as "companions to our emotional lives". It couldn't be truer in the case of Vianney Hunter, of Hunter Candles whose deliciously gorgeous range is centred on recreating the scents and memories of life growing up in Australia. Of all our senses, the sense of smell can trigger the strongest emotions and unlock the sweetest memories... like childhood walks through the fragrant Australian bush (that'd be the Australia candle... can you smell it yet?). We were lucky to have Vianney join us for a chat. Enjoy!

Tell us what inspired you to create Hunter Candles?

Hunter Candles is an earthy & chic candle company, from Newtown, founded two years ago. How I developed our edgy waxy company was simple. Growing up, I was eternally surrounded by candles, huge storm candles, tiny tea lights, and sporadic scented candles. So, as I started to develop my own style, and in turn fill my own spaces, I found I could never quite find the right scent out there, so decided to experiment with oils. There it began, and I was hooked! I was on mission to create scents that invoked memory of my fabulous life growing up all around Australia, and the scents of the people who have influenced me. Whether you recognise it or not, your best mate has a scent, and you would definitely recognise it! We have named each candle in the range after an important person in our life. Each candle is just as popular as the next, where they do vary is season. Right now, people can't get enough of ANGUS || oak moss + amber. He's earthy, woody, yet smooth. Most say it smells like a man getting out of the shower. You're welcome! Pouring candles and creating scents is what gets me out of the sheets in the morning. Even if they are fabulous...

Where's the most memorable place you've woken up?

Well! Recently I went to New Orleans. My friend and I were staying in a tiny terrace. It was hot and filled with character. We would leave the doors open to catch a breeze. In the mornings, we would wake up to the bustle below, and moody jazz from a quartet in the street. More than memorable, it was unreal.

Describe the best sleep you've ever had.

I find, my most enjoyable sleeps are not necessarily the longest. So, does a nap count? (Absolutely!) Simply, lying on our wooden Bali outdoor lounge, surrounded by water and trees in summer, with a light wind and some 1960’s girl band music in the background. This is ultimately relaxing, and I always find I wake up revitalised.

What's the first thing you do when you open your eyes in the morning?

Check I haven’t slept in… haha! I usually open my eyes, and immediately start planning my day… Coffee first, of course.

What's the last thing you do before you go to sleep?

Recently, I’ve been getting into hydrating masks, the ones you don’t need to wash off. Right now I’m using Aesop Blue Chamomile Facial Hydrating Masque. Pop some of that on for relaxation, after prying my phone out of my own hands of course.

If you could choose anywhere in the world to sleep, where would it be?

Hmm, tough one! I would say anywhere if you’re surrounded by fun company and you can stroll to the ocean once you’re awake! Greece looks pretty amazing… Let’s sleep, and wake up there.

What would we find on your bedside table?

So many things… My bedside table hoards things… At the moment, I have my favourite Hunter Candle, Australia, which is Blue Gum + Lemon Myrtle + Wattle. I burn her every night when going through emails. I have also just bought Sarah Knight’s “The Life Changing Magic of Not Giving a F**k” - she is unopened, but I will get to it! I also have my jewellery from the day, and always, a hand drawn artwork of my girlfriends and I by Angelique Sloss, from The Envy Edit.

What's one thing that makes you Sleep Good?

I’m sure everyone is similar in saying fresh sheets, a clean room, and something or someone to hold. I also dig noise. It’s strange, but I need some ambient noise to soothe my slumber!

What's one thing that makes you Feel Good?

Honestly, hearing stories from people who have a Hunter Candle in their home, and how it makes them feel good! I just recently met one of my gorgeous clients, and she mentioned how the ADDISON candle showed her light in her last year. Addison has healing qualities of lavender and sage. I was so touched, and happy to hear that what we love has brought happiness to another.

What's one thing that makes you Live Good?

Wine. Haha! That, and beautiful friends and family. Luckily, mine rock.