Episode Summary: Fat Mascara - "Scents and the Soft Life with Sir Candle Man"

Release Date: April 18, 2025
Host: Jennifer Sullivan & Jessica Matlin
Guest: Sir Candle Man (Kudzi Chikumbu)

Introduction to Sir Candle Man

In this episode of Fat Mascara, hosts Jennifer Sullivan and Jessica Matlin welcome Kudzi Chikumbu, widely known as Sir Candle Man, a prominent content creator specializing in fragrance and candles. With an impressive following of approximately 440,000 on TikTok and Instagram, Kudzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive background, including an MBA from Stanford and eight years at TikTok.

The Genesis of Sir Candle Man

[05:42] Jen: "I need for people who don't know you, we need to know where this whole fragrance journey began."

Kudzi shares his early exposure to fragrances, growing up in Zimbabwe and South Africa amidst floral scents from his mother’s flowering business and experiences with designer fragrances introduced by his aunt. A pivotal moment occurred during a trip to Paris, where a stunning candle scent ignited his passion, leading him to create the Sir Candle Man persona on TikTok.

[07:57] Kudzi: "I just created Sir Candleman for fun. And through that, it just got a lot of traction, and that world was born."

Embracing the Soft Life

The conversation shifts to the concept of the "soft life," a term Kudzi explains originates from Southern Africa and predates its trending status on platforms like TikTok.

[08:38] Jen: "We love you. We love our listeners."

[08:45] Kudzi: "Soft life as a phrase is so interesting because...it's really candles...it's really candles...and also really learned the importance of slowing down."

For Kudzi, the "soft life" embodies slowing down and embracing moments of calm, much like the deliberate process of burning a candle.

Fragrance Trends and Preferences

[16:14] Jen: "What are you noticing right now for, like, home fragrance trends?"

Kudzi discusses the fluctuating trends in home fragrances post-pandemic, highlighting unique scents like Thai Basil from Brooklyn Candle Company and Andean Myrtle from Lafco. He emphasizes a preference for bold, resinous aromas that stand out in the home.

Notable Quote:
[16:35] Kudzi: "I think fragrance is like, mostly not...it's not vibes, but like there's actual raw materials that are the true ones. But the storytelling is so important and I'd rather make it personal."

Technical Insights: Wax Choices and Candle Maintenance

A significant portion of the discussion delves into the technical aspects of candles, particularly the differences between paraffin and soy wax.

[24:25] Kudzi: "Paraffin wax burns at a lower temperature...soy wax burns at a higher temp so it burns quicker. But it doesn't throw fragrance as much. But it burns cleaner."

Kudzi provides actionable advice on maintaining candles, such as trimming wicks to prevent tunneling and the benefits of using candle warmers to maximize scent throw without an open flame.

[35:47] Jen: "You also said if the flames farther away from the wax...it makes sense."

[36:34] Kudzi: "You can put it down and there's a little light that goes on and it like melts the candle from the top down."

Favorite Brands and Recommendations

Kudzi shares his top candle and fragrance brands, praising Lafco for their ethical practices and rich scent profiles. He also highlights Bath & Body Works as a beloved brand for its extensive range and impressive scent throw.

[32:47] Kudzi: "This candle...it's called Dreamer by Nomad Noe. It's like a Sandobudi vanilla, cedar, delicious candle. I gift it all the time."

Signature Scents and Personal Preferences

The hosts explore the idea of signature scents, with Kudzi expressing his reluctance to limit himself to one fragrance.

[15:31] Kudzi: "The world is so beautiful and amazing. Why would you just do one thing? Like, that's how I feel about fragrance."

Jen, on the other hand, shares her preference for variety over a singular signature scent, likening herself to someone who experiments with different dishes at restaurants.

[56:53] Jen: "I love variety. I'm like that person who orders the thing they've never had at the restaurant and then regrets it and wants your food."

FM5 Speed Round

The episode concludes with the beloved FM5 speed round, where Kudzi answers rapid-fire questions, revealing personal tidbits such as his favorite snacks and how he spends his days off.

[58:40] Jen: "What's the first beauty product you remember falling in love with?"
[58:44] Kudzi: "Molecule 01 classic."

[62:13] Jen: "What's your favorite snack?"
[62:16] Kudzi: "In South Africa, we have the snack called biltong...similar to a Chomps for the protein."

Conclusion

Hosts Jen and Jess wrap up the episode by emphasizing the depth of their conversation with Kudzi, covering everything from technical candle maintenance to the philosophical aspects of embracing a "soft life" through fragrances. Kudzi's insights provide listeners with both practical advice and a deeper appreciation for the nuanced world of candles and scents.

[63:57] Kudzi: "This was so fun."
[63:58] Jen: "Thank you for coming on Fat Mascara."

Key Takeaways:

• Soft Life Philosophy: Emphasizes slowing down and embracing calm moments through the deliberate use of candles and fragrances.
• Wax Selection: Understanding the differences between paraffin and soy wax is crucial for optimizing scent throw and candle longevity.
• Signature Scents: Encourages exploring a variety of fragrances rather than settling on a single signature scent.
• Technical Maintenance: Proper candle maintenance, such as trimming wicks and using candle warmers, enhances the burning experience and scent distribution.
• Favorite Brands: Kudzi highlights brands like Lafco, Nomad Noe, and Bath & Body Works for their quality and scent profiles.

Notable Quotes:

• Kudzi Chikumbu:
  "[08:45]...it's really candles...it's really candles...and also really learned the importance of slowing down."
  "[24:25]...paraffin wax burns at a lower temperature...soy wax burns at a higher temp so it burns quicker. But it doesn't throw fragrance as much. But it burns cleaner."
  "[15:31]...the world is so beautiful and amazing. Why would you just do one thing? Like, that's how I feel about fragrance."

• Jen Sullivan:
  "[56:53]...I love variety. I'm like that person who orders the thing they've never had at the restaurant and then regrets it and wants your food."

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between fragrance, personal well-being, and the art of candle-making, making it an insightful listen for both fragrance enthusiasts and those seeking to incorporate more tranquility into their lives.