Brittany Torres, pictured at Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack

KDHamptons loves to discover new local businesses and products to share with our readers. This week I met Brittany Torres, founder of Hamptons Handpoured, a handcrafted candle collection made in Southampton.  Brittany shares, “I have always been in love with candles because they create an experience.  Whether candles are lit in the bathroom while taking a relaxing bath, in the kitchen while entertaining guests, or outside creating light on a dark evening, candles always add a special ambiance to any setting.  My candles capture the beautiful scents of the Hamptons.”   Brittany shares the launch of her new collection in this NEW KDHamptons Design Diary, below:

KDHamptons:  What is the inspiration behind your candle collection?

Brittany Torres: Each scent used in our Hamptons Handpoured Signature Village Collection, tells the story of life on the East End.  The Southampton Candle is my personal favorite, which is no surprise because it is where I grew up — it has notes of Cotton, Gardenia, and White Tea.  What inspired me to create the collection is truly my daily life as a year round Hamptons resident.  There are so many distinctive aromas here, from the scent of fresh strawberry fields and honeysuckle entwined hedges in the summer, to apple orchards, cozy restaurants in historic cedarwood houses, the salted ocean air, and the backyard fields of farmhouses.

KDHamptons:  What are the names and signature notes of Hamptons Handpoured candles?

Brittany Torres: I currently offer six different 8 oz 100% soy candles, which retail for $28.  More towns will be added including:  Quogue, Water Mill, Amagansett, and Hamlets such as North Sea, Wainscott, and Springs.

The Westhampton : Orange Balsam Lavender
The Southampton : Cotton Gardenia White Tea
The Bridgehampton : Lime Arugula Honeysuckle
The Sag Harbor : Cedarwood Vanilla Honey
The East Hampton : Cashmere Fig Strawberry
The Montauk : Sandalwood Bergamot Spice

KDHamptons:  How did you learn to create scents and candles?

Brittany: I learned how to create candles after a new found love of essential oils and the benefits that they possess.  I was having many health issues and I found the fragrance in essential oils to be very relaxing and comforting.  It is what I learned to be referred to as Aromacology, the study of scent.  I went to classes, watched several tutorials about candle making online and began experimenting.  I began giving my candles away as hand crafted holiday gifts and received fantastic feedback.  My actual “Aha” moment occurred when I realized that I light candles for everything I do — whether it’s taking a bath, cleaning up after dinner, or setting the mood to entertain.

KDHamptons:  Where do you manufacture your candles?

Brittany: I have a studio in the back of a retail store that I manage, Therapy Life & Style in Southampton where I hand pour all of the candles during quiet days in the winter.  It is also quite a mobile craft made in small kettles so I sometimes take my work home with me and make them right in my Hamptons kitchen.

KDHamptons:  If you were a candle, what would your fragrance be?

Brittany: Love this question!  If I were a candle my notes would include:  Vetiver, Gardenia, Patchouli, & Sandalwood.  I love smoky, beachy, rich scents, almost masculine in nature but with a delicate top note of floral.

KDHamptons:  Where can readers go for more information?

Brittany: My website is www.HamptonsHandpoured.com, online store and retail partners in the Hamptons will be listed there by May!  I am looking to support and be carried in local Hamptons businesses.  Any inquiries can be sent to HamptonsHandpoured@gmail.com and please follow me on Facebook & Instagram @HamptonsHandpoured