KANDL Artistique is a luxury candle boutique and creative lab in Toronto’s Yorkville neighborhood known for its custom candle-making classes that our members have enjoyed over the years. At Modern Concierge, we’re always drawn to brands that transform everyday moments into elevated experiences. We had the pleasure of sitting down with owner Stephanie Sek, whose family has been perfecting the art of candle-making for over five decades, to learn how KANDL blends craftsmanship, creativity, and community. In our conversation, she shares insights on timeless fragrance, meaningful collaborations, and the power of scent as an expression of self.

Q&A with the Founder of KANDL Artistique

1. What inspired you to launch KANDL Artistique, and how has your vision evolved since the beginning?

Our family has been manufacturing candles for over 50 years and going into retail and branding was a natural evolution for us. It really began with the purchase of 88 Avenue Road, a heritage Victorian home. Being such an iconic address in the middle of Yorkville gave us an anchor point for marketing, design, and fragrance creation for our signature candle brand. As candle connoisseurs, we also wanted to educate the public on what defines a perfectly burning, high-quality candle. The Lab by KANDL concept is a patented workshop where guests can become fragrance noses and chandlers. We opened our doors in 2019, and while our vision hasn’t changed, we’ve certainly expanded our retail offerings.

2. Your signature vessels and refined fragrances have become instantly recognizable. Could you walk us through the creative process behind one of your candles?

Our signature KANDL Artistique line was a dream many years in the making. Having manufactured some of the world’s most luxurious candles for discerning brands, we knew ours needed to feature the most exquisite fragrances and vessels with a clean burn. Each component – fragrance, wax, packaging, glass – went through rigorous testing and development. The most important stage was burn testing: we tested at least 200 candles per scent to ensure quality and safety.

3. How do you balance fragrance trends with the timeless, luxurious feel that defines the KANDL experience?

When collaborating with the world’s top fragrance houses, we insisted on creating timeless fragrances that clients return to time and again. We love complex fine fragrances but also cater to North American preferences for fresh, clean notes, while exploring exotic influences. We avoid fleeting fragrance trends and focus on scents that transcend time and season.

4. The Yorkville Candle Lab is more than a boutique, it’s an experience. Why was it important to invite guests into the art of candle-making?

The Lab by KANDL was born from a desire to share our love of fine fragrances and candle burning with others. Candle burning is a form of self-care, yet few places in Canada offered that kind of sensory experience. The Lab has become a warm space for celebrations – birthdays, dates, team-building events, or nights out with friends.

5. Scent plays such a powerful role in memory and mood. How do you see it shaping lifestyle and self-expression for your clients?

At The Lab by KANDL, we’re constantly amazed by our guests’ creativity. It’s incredible to see that ‘aha’ moment when someone blends notes to create something unexpected and beautiful. Guests often share how certain scents evoke childhood memories or emotional connections, reminding us how powerful scent truly is.

6. KANDL is known for working closely with discerning clients and bespoke collaborations. How do you ensure each creation feels deeply personal?

Each bespoke collaboration starts with a design brief: What scents do you love? What emotions do you want to evoke? What do you want your guests to feel? This dialogue with perfumers at the fragrance houses leads to numerous samples, which we refine collaboratively until they’re perfect – a process that can take months.

7. As a female founder in the luxury space, what does leadership mean to you and how has that shaped your approach to building the brand?

While our clientele includes many men, most of our customers are women. This influences how we design and collaborate, often partnering with female-led brands like Monday Girl, Sidia, and Sotto Sotto. We love supporting other small businesses and female-led charities. For me, leadership means creating community and empowering collaboration.

8. Looking ahead, what’s next for KANDL Artistique? Are there new collections or experiences you’re especially excited about?

We’re steadily expanding our Signature Line, recently adding reed diffusers and exploring new home fragrance formats. Our focus remains on crafting timeless, sensory experiences that celebrate artistry and emotion through scent.

The Beauty of a Life Well Lived

Like KANDL Artistique, we believe that luxury lives in the quiet moments, in beauty, balance, and thoughtful design.

At Modern Concierge, we bring that philosophy to life through experiences designed to give you time, calm, and connection. Connect with us at (416) 238-761 or hello@modernconcierge.com and explore how we bring ease, balance, and beauty into everyday living.