The story of Solei Studios
Solei Studios is a boutique brand of scented candles founded in 2024. Each candle is made by hand using premium fragrance oils and 100% plant based wax.
Our collection is inspired by the sun, with warming, feel-good scents.
Hi, I'm Lena 👋
Hello 👋 My name is Lena, founder of Solei Studios. Born and raised in Swedish Lapland, the land of the midnight sun. I'm at my happiest on beaches, hearing the waves of the sea and feeling the warm sun on my skin.
My candle journey started as a passionate buyer of candles and perfumes. During COVID whilst working from home, I would use scented candles to help shape my day - whether to feel relaxed, energised etc. I love the power of scent and how it can shape our home environment.
in January 2024 I did something pretty wild. After 20 years working in product management for London tech and start-up firms, I decided to initially take a year out to feel more creative and explore my passion for scent and design. And in June 2024 I launched Solei Studios, and I've never looked back. It's the best thing I've ever done. Reading your DMs, and bumping into customers at markets and when visiting stockists is simply the best feeling in the world.
The inspiration
Solei Studios is an ode to the sun. Perhaps it's growing up not far from the artic circle that's given me so much appreciation and joy for warm days and the thrill of beach walks in warm sand.
When imagining candles for the collection I mentally revisit warm summer nights and times and places where sunshine and warmth has made me feel just great. The result became the collection, including:
Beach Walk coconut, vanilla, bergamot. Inspired by beach walks in Cuba and Barbados.
Sundown sandalwood, clove, saffron. Inspired by warm evenings getting ready for the night
Firenights hay, amber, honey. Seeking warmth by the fire during the cooler months
Green Light cut grass, cut flowers. The joy of opening the garden doors and inviting the new season in
Quality matters
Each Solei Studios candle is lovingly created and hand poured in my South East London studio. It's a lovely space for me to dream up new candles, make your favourites, pack and ship.
When making candles, I always prioritise safety, burn and throw quality. Unlike a one size fits all, I tailor each candle's components to optimise the performance of your candle experience.
Firenights and Pink Skies are made with 100% Swedish made soy wax. The rest of the candles are made with 100% rapeseed and coconut wax. I test every candle across both wax types, and the wax the oil prefers, is what I use.
In addition, each candle uses its own bespoke cotton wick - the wicks I use for Harvest Season are different to Beach Walk.
It's a fun process, and by making each candle myself I can have full oversight of the production and the quality offered to you.
My love for retail
I've always had such a soft spot for well curated independent shops. The joy of walking into a new place, taking in the colours, the atmosphere, and discovering new beautiful items. It's one of my favourite things to do when travelling, picking up new skincare and scents as memories.
I'm both incredibly proud and humbled that Solei Studios sits on the shelves of 30+ brilliant stores across the country.