Unless you’ve spent the past 20 years living under a rock, you’ve likely heard of and at the very least smelled the exotic scents of Glasshouse candles.
The company, which has established itself as the leading fragrance brand in the Southern Hemisphere, is known for its stunning packaging, unique city-inspired ranges and – especially at this time of year – tempting gift packs.
Now, ahead of its busiest season, founder Nicole Eckels has spilled some of the brand’s biggest secrets – including her personal favourites, the best-sellers and how she manages to come up with such inspired new scents.
Nicole, a New Yorker who spent two decades living in Sydney, founded Glasshouse in 2005 to fill the ‘luxury’ candle gap in the market – despite many doubting it would work.
Long story short, it did.
‘I’ve always loved the power of scent to transport you – whether it’s to a memory, a feeling, or a place. Candles have always been an essential part of my life; they create an atmosphere and make a house feel like a home,’ she tells FEMAIL.
‘I wanted to create a brand that brought that sense of warmth and luxury into people’s lives without the premium price tag. And I think that’s what Glasshouse Fragrances has done so well: making luxury fragrance accessible to everyone.’
Some of Nicole’s earliest memories are of her mother’s perfumes – the beautiful bottles on her vanity and the way the fragrances filled the air.
Glasshouse founder Nicole Eckels (pictured) has spilled some of the brand’s biggest secrets – including her personal favourites
The brand has just released its famous Christmas range (pictured)
‘As a teenager, I noticed my mother started using home fragrances and I loved the cosy, inviting atmosphere. It became part of her ritual, and I felt a sense of warmth every time they were lit,’ she recalls.
Her journey really began when she started work in the cosmetics industry where she spent many years at Chanel.
‘That’s where I really began to appreciate the depth of my olfactory senses. While I might forget names, I can instantly recall and identify almost any scent,’ she says.
‘The true turning point, though, came when I moved to Australia. It was there that I decided to turn my passion for fragrance into a career, and that’s when Glasshouse Fragrances was born.’
What are the three candles you always have in your home no matter the season?
1. Forever Florence: For the way it comforts and envelops you, like a big cosy powdery floral hug.
2. Sunsets in Capri: Summer seems to last a little longer with the zesty scent of mandarin and peach that lingers longer than the sun will.
3. Midnight in Milan: For the way it makes you feel powerful and sexy as it transports you to one of the most inspiring cities on earth leaving behind a silage of rose and saffron.
‘While I might forget names, I can instantly recall and identify almost any scent,’ Nicole says
The A Tahaa Affair (pictured in purple) soy candle is by far the best-seller and often sells out in certain regions
What is the perfect scent to give as a gift?
When it comes to gifting candles, I always go for scents that are fresh and well-balanced – something that’s universally loved.
Citrus and fresh notes are always a safe bet, which is why I often choose our Amalfi Coast or our Sea Mist candles. They’re refreshing and uplifting, making them perfect for any occasion.
Which candle sells out more than any other?
Our A Tahaa Affair soy candle is by far our best-seller and often sells out in certain regions.
People just love it – it’s a perfect balance of sweet and warm, and it has a real following. We put so much time and care and love into what we do, and it makes us feel very proud to see that people love the products.
The other best-selling candles are Kyoto in Bloom and One Night in Rio.
How do you come up with such unique scents?
I’m privileged to work with an incredible team of perfumers, and our process of creating unique scents begins with a lot of creativity and exploration. We aim to craft fragrances that aren’t just ordinary but truly inspire and transport our customers.
For us, it’s not just about the scent itself it’s about the experience it evokes. Above all, we’re committed to ensuring our fragrances perform exceptionally well across all formats.
Our goal is to satisfy even the most discerning fragrance lover, making sure every candle, diffuser, or product delivers on both quality and impact.
What’s been your biggest business challenge so far?
Perfecting the craft of our products. While many brands in our space outsource production to contract manufacturers, we’ve made the conscious decision to produce all our candles and diffusers ourselves.
It’s been a long journey and honing this skill over the years has come with its challenges but I’m thrilled to say that we’ve finally achieved the quality we set out to create.
Honestly, I haven’t come across a candle or diffuser that matches the quality of Glasshouse Fragrances – it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
What is your advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those looking to break into the consumer market?
Stay true to what you believe in, and never underestimate the power of patience.
Building a brand takes time, and you need to be ready to weather the tough times.
Surround yourself with great people, stay focused, and be prepared to adapt when necessary.
