What draws you to a candle? Maybe it’s the way it looks—does it match your vibe? Is the design sleek and modern, or cozy and cute? But after the look, it’s the name that pulls you in. It gives you a little preview of what to expect before you even take a sniff. And at CarteHaus, naming is a serious business.
We all have those little things that make life sweeter. A favorite comfort movie, a song you know by heart, or an inside joke you share with your people. These moments make life richer, and that's exactly how we want our candles to make you feel. For us, candle names aren’t just about describing a scent—they’re little winks at something bigger.
So, let’s take a peek behind the scents. We’re sharing the inspiration behind some of your favorite candles. Who knows? Maybe you’ve already guessed a few of them.
The Why Behind the Names
“I’m a huge pop culture nerd. I love to geek out to music, movies, and TV shows, but *quietly*.. No swords on the wall, just subtle nods here and there. My home is my sanctuary, so I keep the decor clean and minimal. That same sense of calm and intention is what I bring to my candles, from the scent to the vessel.
But when it comes to naming? That’s where I nerd out. I find connections that mean something and tie them to the scent and its notes. Sometimes the name comes first. Sometimes it’s the scents. And other times, inspiration strikes at the same time.”
– Megan Carte, Founder and Scent Creator
The Stories Behind Our Candle Names
If you've ever browsed our website or bought a candle, you might have wondered about the names. Sure, we could take the easy route and just list the scent notes—bergamot, sandalwood, vetiver—but where's the fun in that? There’s always more beneath the surface.
Black Pearl
If you haven’t guessed yet, this scent is inspired by a certain amusement park ride turned blockbuster movie (if you know, you know). The fragrance itself is a nod to coastal towns—think New England—with fresh, salty air that reminds you of chilly winds and warm sunshine. Picture oysters with a view, Pinot Grigio in hand.
While "Black Pearl" tips its hat to the movie, it also captures the coastal sophistication of the scent. Pearls are luxurious and black pearls? They’re rare.
Winchester
If you’re a Supernatural fan, you already know. This one’s a nod to the Winchester brothers, who hunted all kinds of creatures. We created this scent as the final season aired, imagining exactly what they’d smell like: rugged, warm, boozy, and a little mysterious.
With hints of leather, tobacco, and a smokey undertone, this scent pulls you in like a late-night drive through the woods under a star-filled sky. Even if you've never seen the show, the scent stands on its own. It’s one of our more masculine candles, perfect for cozy date nights.
The First Drop
This one started as a nod to Gilmore Girls’ famous "coffee, coffee, coffee," because who hasn’t craved a cup at Luke's Diner? But as we worked on it, inspiration struck from another place. We had Spotify on shuffle, and suddenly The First Drop by Rise Against started playing. This was the name.
The First Drop isn’t just about coffee; it’s about that first, blissful sip in the morning. Rich, dark, warm, and invigorating, this scent is the moment everything falls into alignment as you breathe in the comforting aroma of coffee and settle into your morning routine.
Meadow Harvest
Schitt's Creek fans, this one’s for you. Inspired by Twyla's ever-changing smoothie of the same name (season 1, episode 7 if you want to look it up), it’s described as "a little bit fruity... and a little bit something." And that’s exactly what this candle offers.
Meadow Harvest was the first scent we got a little more experimental. We played with weird note combos like tennis balls and linden blossom, surprising you each time you burn it. It’s herbal, earthy, fresh, floral, and a little bit something. Plus, the name Meadow Harvest has a green and herbal sound to it that matches the scent of the candle.
The Creative Process: From Idea to Flame
The naming process is organic. Inspiration can strike anywhere—a song lyric, a movie scene, even a random conversation. We might hear a song and think, "That’s it. That’s the scent." Or we’ll watch a movie and wonder, "What would that smell like?"
If you catch the reference behind a name, it’s a little bonus. A quiet way to geek out like we do. And, if you’re not part of the fandom, you can still enjoy the rich layered scents and sophisticated vessel.
Writing Stories Through Scent
Naming our candles is about more than just picking words that describe a scent. It’s storytelling, and adding a little bit of luxury to your daily routine. Each name is a piece of the puzzle, designed to elevate your space, set the mood, and spark a little selfish moment.
So next time you pick up a CarteHaus candle, take a moment to discover the story behind the name. You might just find some of your favorite pop-culture references or an inside joke that makes you smile.
Explore our Essentials Collection and see if you can spot the hidden Easter eggs.