Hi, I’m Dorene! Also known as the owner of The Columbia Fragrance Co.
In 2013, my journey into the world of candles began organically. Surrounded by a surplus of handmade candles, I realized I had created far more than I could give away. It was a perceptive friend who looked at my creations and exclaimed, “You’re incredibly creative. Have you ever considered turning this passion into a business?” That moment served as a catalyst, sparking the birth of my candle venture.
I find immense joy in every step of the process, from selecting the ideal hue to complement a fragrance, to discovering the perfect vessel that embodies quality. Even the intricate aspects of managing the business, from crafting compelling marketing messages that bring our scents to life to optimizing our operations for efficiency, captivate me.
As for my top five favorite fragrances:
- Conundrum (a unique blend of Lavender and Cinnamon – you have to experience it to believe it)
- Lotus Santal
- White Tea
- Sandalwood and Vanilla
- White Eucalyptus
The turning point for our company came when I relocated to Columbia, Maryland, to be with my fiancé, Richard (now lovingly referred to as the VP of Awesome!). It was then that we rebranded ourselves as The Columbia Fragrance Co. Our Walt’s Wonderful World line, featuring enchanting scents like Green Clover and Aloe, quickly gained popularity, and since then, there has been no looking back. The word spread, and our reputation soared, establishing us as purveyors of exquisite fragrances through our products.
Dorene Nowatzke 