Scent Stories is an ongoing series that explores the powerful connection between memory and the scents we love. 012 features our friend and collaborator, Lindsay Clarke of Mariko Studio.
We first discovered Lindsay’s work online years ago and immediately became admirers, quietly hoping there’d one day be an opportunity to collaborate. Her work is intentional, refined, and deeply considered, balancing clean, modern design with a warmth and nostalgia that gives brands, objects, and packaging emotions, depth, and richness.
When we began designing our new Pearl Candle, we knew Lindsay would be the perfect fit. She created a beautiful dusty blue box with pearlescent paper and subtle details that felt true to Homecoming while gently pushing the brand in a new direction. Although those boxes won’t be going into production this time (see our last post for more on that), we were still determined to work together. Lindsay went on to design our new Travel Size candle labels, something we feel has helped define our brand and solidify how we want people to see Homecoming in the world.
We spoke with Lindsay about the scent of the ocean, the memories it brings back of her grandparents, and the fragrances she turns to when she wants to feel grounded and calm.
HOMECOMING: TELL US ABOUT A SCENT THAT’S TIED TO A SPECIFIC MEMORY...
LINDSAY: “THE SCENT I’M MOST CONNECTED TO IS THE OCEAN, SPECIFICALLY THE BEACHES IN VANCOUVER WHERE I GREW UP, GOING WITH MY GRANDPARENTS. IT’S THAT MIX OF SALTY AIR, DRIFTWOOD, AND THE DAMP, WOODSY SMELL OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. IT INSTANTLY TAKES ME BACK TO THOSE SLOWER, CAREFREE SUMMER DAYS AS A KID – WALKING ALONG THE SHORELINE, COLLECTING LITTLE TREASURES, DIPPING MY TOES INTO THE OCEAN.“
“THOSE GRANDPARENTS HAVE SINCE PASSED, SO THERE’S SOMETHING REALLY EMOTIONAL ABOUT THAT SCENT NOW. IT FEELS LIKE A WAY OF RETURNING TO THEM AND TO THAT TIME IN MY LIFE... THE SCENT MAKES ME FEEL GROUNDED AND AT EASE, BUT ALSO A LITTLE NOSTALGIC IN THE BEST WAY. THERE’S A CALMNESS TO IT, LIKE EVERYTHING SLOWS DOWN FOR A MOMENT. IT FEELS FAMILIAR, COMFORTING, AND VERY MUCH LIKE HOME.”
HOMECOMING: TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE SCENTS
LINDSAY: “MY FAVOURITES ARE ALWAYS ON THE WOODSY, EARTHY SIDE – THINK SANDALWOOD, LEATHER, CEDAR, A HINT OF SMOKE. I GRAVITATE TOWARD ANYTHING EARTHY AND A LITTLE NOSTALGIC, NEVER TOO SWEET OR FLORAL. THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT THOSE DEEPER, MORE NATURAL NOTES THAT FEELS TIMELESS AND CALMING TO ME. THEY’RE SUBTLE BUT MEMORABLE, AND I LOVE THAT THEY CAN FEEL BOTH WARM AND REFINED WITHOUT BEING OVERPOWERING.”
To see more of Lindsay’s work, follow @mariko_studio.
