The story behind Honey Willow: A journey of creativity, nostalgia, and sustainability
At Honey Willow, every candle tells a story. Behind the warm glow of each handcrafted piece is a journey of passion, creativity, and love. Meet Chantelle, the founder and creative force behind Honey Willow, whose vision has transformed a simple love for candle-making into a brand that nurtures creativity, sparks nostalgia, and brings warmth into homes across Australia.
The spark that started it all
Honey Willow began as a passion project—a weekend ritual shared between myself (Chantelle) and my son, Eric. It all started in 2021 when Eric and I began making candles together as a fun weekend activity. What started as a small hobby quickly became something more—something that connected us, sparked creativity, and aligned with my deep love for design and fragrance. Before I knew it, Honey Willow was born.
What began as a simple creative outlet soon evolved into a full-fledged brand, driven by my dedication to crafting high-quality, sustainable home fragrances that tell a story with every scent.
The meaning behind the name ‘Honey Willow’
The name Honey Willow is deeply personal, woven from childhood memories and the values that shape the brand.
Growing up in Lugarno, NSW, I spent hours playing under the grand willow tree in Evatt Memorial Park. It was my secret world—its cascading branches formed a natural curtain where I could escape into my imagination, dreaming of far-off, magical places. There was something so soothing about the way its branches swayed in the breeze—it felt like nature’s own lullaby.
I've since shared that same willow tree with my children, watching their eyes light up as they play among the draping branches, just as I once did. Seeing them experience the same sense of wonder and imagination makes it all the more special.
Then there's Honey—because life is sweet. Honey represents warmth, nourishment, and the golden moments we cherish. Just like honey drapes and enriches everything it touches, scent has the power to envelop us in nostalgia and emotion.
"Together, Honey Willow embodies everything I wanted this brand to represent: nurturing creativity, reminiscing through scent, and doing so with my sweet children, who inspire me every day."
What makes Honey Willow unique?
From the very beginning, I set out to create something different—candles that weren’t just beautifully crafted but also sustainable and refillable.
Every candle is hand-poured in small batches using plant-based soy wax and premium fragrances. Our refillable eco-resin vessels allow customers to enjoy their favourite scents again and again without unnecessary waste.
With a background in graphic and product design, I have been able to bring a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality to each creation. Design is at the heart of everything we do—from the way a candle looks and burns to how it integrates into a home. I love creating pieces that people not only enjoy but also feel connected to.
"Every fragrance we create has a story behind it, designed to evoke a sense of place, a cherished memory, or a feeling of comfort."
Fragrance and nostalgia: the heart of Honey Willow
Fragrance plays a powerful role in memory and emotion, something I have always been drawn to. Scents have the ability to transport us—to childhood summers, cozy winter nights, or places we long to visit. That’s why every fragrance we create has a story behind it, designed to evoke a sense of place, a cherished memory, or a feeling of comfort.
Among my favourite creations? Midnight Noir for its rich, moody warmth, Spring Blooms, and Champagne & Strawberries for its fresh, uplifting aroma.
Choosing a favourite scent is like choosing a favourite child—it’s impossible! But I will say, I often find myself lighting a Midnight Noir candle in the evenings. It’s the perfect scent to unwind to.
Sustainability at the core
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Honey Willow—it’s a guiding principle.
From our refillable candle vessels to our use of natural, plant-based soy wax, we make choices that align with our commitment to reducing waste. We also partner with tree-planting initiatives, so every purchase contributes to a greener planet. It’s important to me that our customers know they’re not just buying a candle; they’re investing in something thoughtful, responsible, and designed to last.
Honey Willow’s dedication to sustainability ensures that customers can indulge in luxury fragrances without compromising on eco-conscious values.
A family affair: Building Honey Willow together
For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of running Honey Willow is sharing the experience with my son. "Eric loves getting involved—whether it’s helping to pick new fragrance blends or simply watching the magic of candle-making unfold. It’s been such a joy to build something together and to show him that creativity, passion, and sustainability can go hand in hand."
Our candle-making journey has evolved from a simple pastime into a meaningful family tradition—one that continues to shape the brand’s ethos.
Looking ahead: What’s next for Honey Willow?
With a growing collection of candles, diffusers, and gifts (coming soon!), Honey Willow is expanding beyond home fragrance to become a lifestyle brand.
"We have so many exciting things in the works—new fragrances, seasonal collections, and even more ways to bring creativity and sustainability into everyday life. Honey Willow started as a candle and home fragrance brand, but it’s growing into something more—a lifestyle brand that encourages self-discovery, positive thinking, and meaningful moments."
A heartfelt message to our customers
"I just want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported Honey Willow. Every order, every kind message, and every returning customer means the world to me. I hope our candles bring as much joy to your home as they do to ours. Here’s to more beautiful scents, cherished memories, and golden moments ahead."
