Candle’s Lovers was born in Brazil but carries in every fragrance the charm and sensibility of Korea. Founded by Carol Satomi, a professional in chemistry and cosmetology, the brand represents the union between the artisanal and the pop, between aesthetic care and love for K-dramas. The project gained strength after a special invitation to take part in the 18th Korean Culture Festival in São Paulo, and since then has stood out for transforming the passion for Korean stories into unique olfactory experiences.

The idea came from a simple but powerful curiosity: “What would a K-drama smell like?” That question guided Carol in creating collections that evoke the scenes, emotions, and characters of Korean productions. Each candle and diffuser translates, in essence, what audiences feel while watching their favorite dramas, connecting screen memories with everyday sensory experiences.

More than a candle brand, Candle’s Lovers has become a meeting point between cultures, bringing Brazilians closer to the elegance and warmth of Korean aesthetics. This concept expanded with the collaboration of Erika Fujitani, an artist who turned dramas and characters into exclusive illustrations for the brand,  creating a dialogue between visual art and scent that transcends the screen.

This interview was conducted online between September and October 2025, offering an inside look at Carol Satomi’s creative journey, the process behind the fragrances inspired by Korea, and her collaboration with Erika Fujitani, the artist behind the K-drama and K-pop-themed collection.

Interview with Carol Satomi (Candle’s Lovers)

How was Candle’s Lovers born, and where did the inspiration to work with Korea-inspired scents come from?

Carol (Candle’s Lovers): The world of scents has always fascinated me, and that’s why, since high school, I wanted to study chemistry and cosmetology,  dreaming of one day working with perfumes or something related to the beauty market. Alongside that passion, I always wanted to run my own business. My parents are shop owners, so I grew up learning how to sell, and it was natural to follow that path when I finally decided to become an entrepreneur, combining sales with my background and experience in cosmetics.

The idea of creating Korea-inspired scents came from a very special invitation: to take part in the 18th Korean Culture Festival and develop products connected to Korean culture.

What fascinated you about the K-drama universe, and how does it connect with your brand?

C: I discovered K-dramas through a friend  and after that, I couldn’t stop watching! I love how the plot, storyline, and actors keep us hooked on every episode. It’s truly addictive.

As for how it connects to my brand, I wanted to bring that universe off the screen so that drama fans could have an olfactory experience beyond watching. As someone passionate about fragrances, I always found myself wondering, “What would this K-drama smell like?”

How do you choose the scents to represent each product? Do you have any special criteria?

C: First of all, I create a briefing with possible olfactory notes that could fit each concept. Then I move on to the testing and stability stages to see if it’s possible to proceed with large-scale production.

 Speaking specifically about the K-drama and K-pop collection, each product’s fragrance was chosen to evoke a memorable scene or the overall tone of the story, so the chosen notes would make complete sense.

Melona is a Korean classic. What’s the story behind choosing that scent?

C: Melona has always been my favorite ice cream! So when I thought about creating a candle or home fragrance with a melon scent, I wanted it to smell exactly like the real ice cream: sweet, fresh, and nostalgic.

What do your customers usually say when they try your products for the first time?

C: They often say the scents are unlike anything they’ve smelled before, fresh and sweet in the right measure, without being overwhelming. That’s exactly what I value in the brand: authentic, pleasant, balanced fragrances that can be enjoyed any time of the day.

What were the biggest challenges in bringing such a unique concept to the Brazilian market?

C: As a lifelong perfume lover, I wanted to create fragrances that I would personally enjoy. The Brazilian market already offers many great perfumes, but I believe every brand has its own essence and personality, and people connect with that. So I wanted to bring something different, energetic, gourmand notes that stand out from what we’re used to.

How did the idea for your collaboration with Érika Fujitani come about?

C: I had admired Érika’s work for a long time. When I was invited to the Korean festival, I knew I needed products connected to Korean culture, so I immediately thought of her. I had already purchased some of her K-drama-inspired products, and I felt it made perfect sense to invite her for a collaboration. It turned out to be a perfect match!

Which product from the collab is your favorite, and why?

C: I have a special fondness for the collection inspired by the K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo. It was a challenge because I wanted to capture marine notes and the aquatic world of Woo Young-woo inside the bottles. The result was amazing, by far one of our most praised and best-selling collections!

Do you draw inspiration from other aspects of Korean culture beyond scents — like music, fashion, or aesthetics?
C: Yes! I deeply admire Korean culture as a whole, and we always try to bring a bit of that style into our collaborations, whether through packaging design or subtle details that reflect Korean elegance.

You presented Candle’s Lovers at the Korean Culture Festival in São Paulo. What was it like seeing your products in such a special setting? Were you nervous?

C: Every event is unique and challenging! I was anxious to see the fans’ reactions. I always try to bring new releases to each event, and the Korean festival was no different. Despite the nerves, I felt confident , I truly admire Érika’s illustrations and knew they would be well-received by the audience. And it was a success!

What can we expect next from Candle’s Lovers — new partnerships, collections, or scents?

C: Absolutely! Anyone who knows me knows I’m full of ideas and always moving forward. I love keeping the brand dynamic and fresh. For now, the next collections and fragrances are still a secret (laughs), but I can already say you’ll love what’s coming!

Interview with Erika Fujitani (Illustrator of the Collab)

How did you feel when you received the invitation to illustrate this collaboration?

Erika: I honestly didn’t expect it, so it was a great surprise! I was thrilled to join, especially because it was such a unique collab,  unlike anything I’d seen before. That made me even more excited to take part.

What inspires you in K-drama aesthetics when creating your artwork?

E: I’m passionate about both K-dramas and illustration, so combining the two came naturally to me. I love selecting impactful scenes and adding key visual elements from the story. Plus, the actors, costumes, and sets themselves already carry such inspiring aesthetics.

What was the biggest challenge in translating the K-drama universe onto product packaging?

E: Without a doubt, capturing the same emotion that the drama evokes in its viewers. I wanted people to recognize the series immediately when looking at the illustration  and to feel a bit of that atmosphere the moment they see it.

Do you have a favorite illustration from the collab?

E: I love all of them, but the one that stands out most to me is the Huntrix design from Kpop Demon Hunters. It’s such a trending theme, and this project allowed me to test new techniques I don’t usually get to explore in my day-to-day work. It pushed me out of my comfort zone while letting me express the characters’ essence,  that’s why it became my favorite.

How do you see the connection between art and scent in this project?

E: I think the concept is amazing and unexpected! It’s not just about seeing the illustration in 2D — it’s also about experiencing a scent that connects to the story. It’s like asking, “What if the world of Goblin had a smell? Or what would the fragrance of ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ be like?” That combination makes everything more immersive and special.