Business ideas come in all shapes and sizes, and every product finds its customer. This philosophy, combined with an inner boldness, guided Krissy Fichtl when she decided to start her own business. While her idea wasn’t entirely new, it was still quite unique. What was the journey of this Brooklyn businesswoman and her unconventional entrepreneurial venture? Read more on brooklyn1.one.
The Power of Scent
Human memory is strongly tied to scents. A particular fragrance can instantly transport us back to childhood or remind us of a romantic evening. One of the best ways to fill life with pleasant aromas is through scented candles and essential oils. This was the inspiration behind Krissy Fichtl’s business.
In 2011, while living in Brooklyn, Fichtl became fascinated with soap-making in her small kitchen. She experimented with different scents, their combinations, and properties. This passion soon turned into a full-fledged business, eventually evolving into a globally recognized fragrance brand.
Fichtl is a true Brooklynite at heart. She considers her borough the best place on earth and wanted to capture its luxurious yet simple essence in her fragrances.
Her first handmade soap and scented candle samples were quickly distributed online. The fast-growing demand allowed her and her business partners to open a small factory in Red Hook, Brooklyn, in 2012. The new facility spanned 3,000 square feet. However, despite the factory setup, the production process remained artisanal, maintaining the handcrafted nature of her soaps and candles. Online, her scented candles sold for around $45—an affordable price for a natural product.
At first, the company focused on classic scents and their combinations. But as the product line expanded, there was a need to invent new fragrances. Alongside traditional lavender and freshly cut grass, unique scents emerged, such as fast food and home-cooked meals. This approach allowed the company to cater to a diverse range of consumer preferences.
Krissy Fichtl started her journey alone. Later, she would say that the best part of running a business was having the freedom to make decisions. At the same time, she acknowledged that this was also the scariest aspect—when all decisions rest solely on one person, so does the responsibility. This fear discourages many aspiring entrepreneurs from starting their own businesses. However, Fichtl’s success demonstrated that independent management allows for building a business exactly the way you envision it. Women have always faced greater challenges in breaking into the business world, but her journey proved that it is absolutely possible.
The Key to Growth
The founder credits the success of her business to diversity. The company operates both in wholesale and retail, collaborates with private labels, and partners with major hotel and restaurant chains. Additionally, Brooklyn-made scented candles have appeared in collaborations with influential and famous figures. Sometimes these partnerships bring direct financial benefits, while other times they work on a barter basis. Fichtl chose this approach as one of the fastest ways to grow the business, leading to global distribution.
Aside from smart business strategies, the company’s success also stems from the composition of its products. Candles, soap, essential oils, and perfumes are all made from natural, vegan-friendly ingredients. The candles, in particular, are crafted using a simple formula, free from unnecessary additives. The next-generation wax used in them is designed to avoid causing burns on the skin.
Krissy Fichtl has openly admitted that the most challenging part of running her business was managing people. Learning leadership and management skills was not easy for her. The technical aspects of soap and candle production always came naturally to her—mastering new technology or developing a new scent was simple. However, working with people proved to be far more complex.
Through years of running her business, Fichtl adopted a personal rule: don’t take things too personally, and don’t bring work into family life. While scented candle production is deeply personal to her, she believes it should never overshadow her family life.