designer highlight: love nature nyc

The Art of Concoction.

Interview with Jared Gettinger of Love Nature NYC, a New York based candle maker.

Trunk: Where are you from?
Love Nature: Born and raised in Long Island, NY. Moved to the city for college and loved it so much I decided to stay.

Trunk: What inspires you?
LN: The idea of creating something that people will enjoy. The home is sacred, and when people choose to bring my candles inside, and fill the air with their scents, I feel great pride and gratitude. 

Trunk: What is your creative background?
LN: I’ve been blending scents and fragrances for over a decade. I also have a lot of experience with product formulation and development. I used to formulate soaps, detergents and various cleaning products before pursuing alternatives with more natural ingredients. I enjoy the art of concoction. 

Trunk: How did you come to work with candles and fragrances?
LN: I’ve always loved candles. I enjoy the scents, light and feeling they provide to a room. At some point I thought “I can do that.” So i did.

Trunk: What music, if any, do you put on when you are creating?
LN:  I love R&B and soul music. Favorites are Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Donnie Hathaway, Marvin Gaye. Music is hugely important to me. 

Trunk: What materials do you use and where do they come from?
LN: We use only 100% natural waxes, lead-free cotton wicks and phthalate-free oil blends in our candles. All products are eco-consciously packaged, using completely recycled or recyclable materials including recycled glass, metal and paper, natural clays and lead-free glazes, vegetable-based inks, and biodegradable woodgrain accents. We only buy USA, and as local as possible. 

Trunk: How do you come up with the fragrance combinations that you use?
LN:  First we usually have a concept we’d like to see created. We then research, source, blend and test hundreds of oils during the creation phase. Once we have something special, we start making samples for burn testing. Countless time and energy goes into the process, but we love every minute of it.

Trunk: What was the best/worst fragrance you have worked with?
LN: Lavender is the trickiest fragrance around. It’s easy to work with, but it’s so hard to convey. It’s been done a million different ways by just as many makers. Everyone has in their mind what it should smell like, and they hardly ever agree. It happens to be one of my favorite scents, but that’s one i make and burn for myself to enjoy. My own favorite version of course.

Trunk: You’re very socially-involved and ethically-conscious. Can you tell us a little bit about the organizations you support and how?
LN:  We’re certified by Peta as a cruelty-free company through their caring consumer program. We’re also a member of the Partners in Hope Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and actively support the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro NY by volunteering our time, resources and support to various events that raise funds and awareness. I’m also involved in various environment advocacy groups, focusing on sustainability, eco-consciousness and green living initiatives. Everyone can help make the world a better place. It doesn’t matter what you do, just do something.