Our flagship + boutique is a proud retailer of an intentionally curated and bespoke range of local brands that we have personally tried, tested and adore. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be interviewing a few of these brands, delving deeper into their stories and craft.

Hand poured just down the road in South Yarra, btncl’s candles are a steady favourite in the Emma Kate Co. curation. Lovingly crafted with the finest blend of coconut and soy wax, btncl’s signature candles feature a range of elegant yet sentimental scents, all housed within luxurious pure brass vessels. Their unscented pillar candles are also wildly popular as the perfect statement piece for any occasion.

This week – in our chat with the founder of btncl, Brodie, you’ll get to know more about his story and that of the brand, as well as his various inspirations. We know it will only take you a moment to fall as in-love with btncl’s products and story as we have.

Staff Picks from btncl:

Emma C: Forest
Bella: Soigne
Emma D: Açai
April: Coconut + Mahogany
Caroline: Soigne
Annabelle: Heirloom Leaves + Butter Pillar Candle

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and the story of how btncl came to be.

Well, I have always had an obsession with candles, but because of the amount I was burning through, I needed to come up with a more economical alternative. So 12 years ago I decided to teach myself how to make candles and have ever since. Back when I had no idea what I was doing, I would make candles in any vessels I could find, many which were definitely not suitable for candles (I learned that the hard way). But it wasn’t until around 2 years ago when I lost my job as a long haul Flight Attendant that the small idea of botanical was born and perfected my craft of candle making. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought it would become as successful as it has. 

2. Describe btncl in three words.

Bespoke. Sophisticated. Nostalgic.

3. What do you draw on for inspiration in creating new scents and designs?

Growing up we always had a lot of brassware in our home and it’s something I have always loved. So having the opportunity to work with it now is so incredible. When it comes to choosing our scents, I always try to source new and unique fragrances. With the candle market being as saturated as it is, it is really important that our candle scents really stand out from the rest. Scent to me is more than just a nice smell. It’s something that has the ability to transport your mind back to a fond memory you hold so close to your heart. This is why selecting a fragrance is extremely time consuming for me, and why we source many of our fragrances from overseas.

4. What is your favourite product from btncl?

This is such a tough question to answer, as my favourite product changes all the time. However, at this present time I think my favourite product would be Forest.

5. What’s your favourite occasion to light a candle for?

Do we honestly need a special occasion to light a candle?.
I think each day we wake up healthy and happy is a good enough excuse to light a candle.

6. What do you do to unwind?

Since creating botanical, unwinding is something I have struggled to find time for. However, when I finally do get the opportunity, it would definitely involve a bath, a glass of Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc and a candle (of course). If it’s away in the country or by the beach, that’s an added bonus.

7. As a busy business-owner, what’s your top tip for staying organised?

Staying on top of things, and don’t procrastinate. If you don’t do a certain task now, you’re going to have to do it later (with a high amount of added stress). And definitely setting aside time in your schedule to respond to emails, they get out of control if you don’t stay on top of them.

8. What is your go-to coffee order?

Between October – March it’s an iced oat latte.
And, between April – September just a regular oat latte will suffice.