The Making of Jane
It’s one thing to love books, but communications and marketing maven and avid book collector, Lisa Berger took her literary obsession to a whole new level by developing a collection of candles inspired by timeless classics.
“I was in my thirties when I first read Jane Eyre. As a child, I had read many of the children’s classics; Black Beauty, The Secret Garden, A Little Princess. But as I crossed over to young adult and adult books, I mostly read contemporary works.”
Until, she read Jane Eyre, that is.
The novel ignited a passion for the classics extending far beyond the pages of the period-dramas. It happened to coincide with her graduate work in English Literature.
The coursework immersed Berger in the early romantic lais of Marie De France through regency romance and society drama (Sense and Sensibility, Emma, Mansfield Park). From fair ladies and courtly love to dapper gentlemen owning vast estates and other fancy folks socializing with wit and flair, Berger was smitten by the fanciful setting.
Who knew that the classics could be so much fun?
“I wanted more of that milieu. Call it escapist whimsy, but I wanted to be part of the high drama, the elegant dresses, the opulence, the shimmer, the gilded accessories. But more so, I wanted the 19th century with a modern twist.”
What she wanted was signature pieces that would be aesthetically inspired by the settings and characters of the classics.
By happenstance, a whiff of myrrh that transported her back sitting in the pew at mass (a moment in childhood she had long forgotten), arrived as her answer. What if she could create something that did just that – take her back to a nostalgic, sweet-smelling past.
A different time, a different place.
“Candles have stood the test of time, just like the classics. The process of making handcrafted candles haven’t changed much over the years, and you can say the same about books. When reading a good book, or lighting a luxury candle, both provide an extraordinary experience.”
Over the course of several years, Berger immersed herself in the settings of the classics. She reread the novels, taking copious notes. She rummaged online archives and studied historical illustrations. She visited heirloom gardens. She walked down cobblestone streets, alleyways, and former tanneries.
Wherever she went, she took more notes. Returning home, she began the laborious process of blending fragrances to develop the unique recipes for each of the scents that would eventually become the signature collection.
Modernly Crafted. Historically Refined.
Developing the scents was just the first step. Countless hours went into designing the final product. “Candles appeal to several of our senses: olfactory, visual, auditory. If the fragrance is the olfactory narrative, the container must tell an equally compelling visual story.“
Returning to her notes, Berger created mood boards to conceptualize the narrative. Colors, illustrations, images and textures were used to build a visual style for each product set.
“I wanted each of the signature pieces in collection to capture the story, the characters and the settings of its era. The aesthetics called for intricate designs, vibrant pastels, and bold accents. It’s definitely a departure from the current minimalist style that has been the prevailing design trend.”
To add the auditory dimension, Berger incorporated a set of candles that come with wooden wicks. And all candles are made of premium ingredients: eco-friendly coconut wax, fully recyclable glass and packaging.
Historical glamour with a modern twist. Let these stories burn bright.