It All Began with Fragrance…

My love affair with fragrance started in childhood, wandering through the garden of my California home, rubbing my hands on lavender, rosemary, and geranium leaves. As I traveled, my passion deepened—whether it was the smell of chestnuts roasting on the streets of Milan or the fresh-baked pastries of Zurich, scent became a guiding force in my life.

In 1994, after working as a model and actress in New York, I moved to Los Angeles and opened a small retail store filled with candles—the product I loved most. This was before the candle boom, so the market had very few options. I began making my own candles in my kitchen to fill the shelves. Soon, my little store, Illume, became the go-to destination for Hollywood insiders, and the candles became a must-have gift for A-list celebrities and industry insiders.

As demand grew, so did my business. I expanded Illume from a small retail store into Illume Wholesale, moving production into a 25,000 sq. ft. space with a team of over 125 people. Known for innovative and unique fragrances like "Roasting Chestnuts," Illume became a leader in the candle industry and remains a recognized national brand to this day.

Throughout my career, my work has been featured in dozens of top magazines, including Vogue, The New York Times, and InStyle, and I’ve been interviewed for numerous publications and home and news television shows. These opportunities helped establish Illume as a household name and solidified my reputation in the fragrance world.

After selling Illume Candles, I turned my attention to personal fragrance, launching Izzy Sayan, a line of layered, niche scents that stood out in a market dominated by big cosmetic brands. Fragrances like Spiked Rhubarb and Gardenia Clove were featured in W Magazine, SPA Magazine, and others, making their mark in the fragrance world.

For the past 15 years, I’ve consulted with companies across the home and personal fragrance sectors, helping to create unique products that resonate with consumers. My love for fragrance continues to guide my career, and in 2019, I co-launched Fluid Fragrances with my partner, Phil Clark. Most recently I collaborated with Illume Candles on a project celebrating the 30th anniversary with a collection of candles featuring my paintings.

A New Chapter in Italy

Now living full-time in Italy, I find constant inspiration in my surroundings. The rich history, vibrant colors, and natural beauty of this country continue to shape my work in fragrance.

In addition to my fragrance work, I have also developed a thriving art career. During the 2020 lockdown, I returned to painting after a 20-year break, and it quickly became a new passion. My artwork, inspired by the light and colors of the Italian countryside, has led to solo shows and a growing international following. My pieces have been shipped as far as Australia, the Americas, and throughout Europe. I am proud to say my work has been showcased at the London Art Biennale and other exhibitions, marking a new and exciting phase in my creative journey.

While art has become an important part of my life, my heart remains deeply rooted in the world of scent. Through all these experiences, my goal remains the same: to create products that bring beauty, comfort, and joy into people's lives. I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Please visit Lynette Reed Art to discover more.