The end of 2023 saw the launch of Harriet Allure – a new design brand producing scented candles where German and Ghanaian culture meets Swedish minimalism. The candles are deeply rooted in the life stories, heritage, and values of founders Alexander ‘Alex’ Adu and Frederik ‘Freddy’ Opoku Mackensy. This spring, Harriet Allure introduces Zenzi – a scented candle that celebrates the strength and beauty that women bring to their homes. This fragrance captures their stories and honours love, light and belonging.
”Since our launch in November 2023, the journey with Harriet Allure has been both exciting and deeply instructive. We’ve learned so much about production, timelines, and the challenges that come with building a brand from the ground up. Yet, what has been truly rewarding is seeing how people connect not just with our products but also with the story behind them,” says co-founder Alex Adu.
He explains that one of the most surprising and satisfying aspects has been the emotional resonance that Harriet Allure’s candles create and how users interpret the scents in such a deeply personal and meaningful way.
”I’ll never forget when someone described our Ama candle as smelling ‘like a warm hug’ That was especially touching because the candle was named after Freddy’s mother, a woman who played a significant role in my upbringing. Moments like these reaffirm why we started this brand in the first place.”
Inspired by female strength
The name of the new scented candle is inspired by the word Creszentia, which comes from the Latin ‘crescens’, meaning ‘growing’ or ‘blooming’. Zenzi opens with warm and spicy notes of jasmine and saffron, capturing the vibrant spirit of the home. At its heart, amberwood and ambergris create a warm, glowing embrace, representing the love and connection shared by family, friends, and community.
Crafted with care: focus on quality
Sustainability and high-quality materials are at the centre of Harriet Allure. The fragrance essences in the candles are carefully selected from Grasse in France, and the candles are made from 100% additive-free rapeseed wax and organic cotton wicks. The organically shaped jars are designed in Sweden and handmade from recycled clay in Portugal. Once a candle has burnt out, the jar can be used as a unique design object. In Zenzi, the jar has also been given a more distinctive colour than the previous scented candle jars.
”The decision to introduce burgundy for the Zenzi candle was a thoughtful departure from the earth tones that define our collection. Burgundy is a rich, elegant colour that adds a sense of luxury and refinement to the collection, making Zenzi a standout piece while still feeling timeless and grounded. The colour was also chosen because it embodies depth, warmth, and a sense of heritage, perfectly aligning with the story behind Zenzi. Burgundy reflects the richness of these stories, symbolising the resilience, love, and warmth that women bring into their homes and communities. Just as candlelight creates a comforting and familiar atmosphere, this deep, enveloping hue represents a connection to heritage and belonging,” Adu explains.
”In our work, we are always driven by the emotional power of scents to transport us to special places,” adds co-founder Freddy Opoku Mackensy.
The launch of Zenzi is accompanied by a video campaign filmed during Alex and Freddy’s recent trip home to their roots in Ghana, West Africa. It is a depiction of the perception of light, home and scents in Ghana, told through the eyes of women who embody strength and love.
”Featuring my mum, her friends and cousins, it highlights the role of mothers balancing family, work and community. It is a reflection of resilience and care. Each moment shows how light and scent connect us to heritage and belonging” Adu concludes.
Zenzi is available now.
Product information
Fragrance notes: Top: jasmine, safron Heart: amberwood, ambergris Base: fir resin, cedar
Fragrance origin: Grasse, south France.
Weight: 280 g
Material: Candle in 100% rapeseed wax. Handmade jar in recycled clay.
Production: Handcrafted in Portugal
Price: 70 EUR
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About Harriet Allure
Harriet Allure is a premium design brand that blends the German and Ghanaian heritage of its founders with Swedish minimalism through home fragrances. Harriet Allure strives to capture the essence of home, belonging and precious memories, emphasising how these concepts are deeply personal and unique to each person and culture. Each product is handcrafted, making each item subtly unique, a reflection of the different personal journeys we all take. The brand’s name has a deeply personal origin: Harriet is the name of co-founder Alex Adu’s mother while the term ‘Allure’ originates from the French and symbolises the aesthetics of the candle jars’ distinctive shape.
Learn more: harrietallure.com