We recently connected with Madison Batman and have shared our conversation below.

Madison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

First off, I want to say thanks for the opportunity for this interview! When I was little, my grandma had this dresser with perfume bottles sitting on top of it. I would routinely pull up a chair just to clink through each bottle, admiring how each of those pretty glass vials could hold a completely new scent experience hidden away inside of it. It was here I can only assume my love for fragrance began.

After I graduated college I knew that I wanted to become an entrepreneur as a creative outlet to my 9-5 temp job. I explored the world of perfumery to start, but ended up settling on candle-making as it had a lower barrier to entry. I purchased a candle-making kit, made my first candle, and things took off from there!

Most of my time during this initial phase was spent researching, testing and creating. I officially started my business in October of 2020 selling wax melts. By 2021 I had added candles and room sprays to the line, and had attended my first few markets. By 2022 I pivoted the brand a bit by giving it a new name, style, and expanding into offering home decor products. From there, this funky lifestyle brand known as Scent and Spill Studios was born!

Scent and Spill, in a lot of ways, represents me, you, and the world around us. I started this brand to explore the intersection between fragrance, memories, and mood. I find myself gathering a lot of the inspiration for my candles from my memories, dreams, psychology, pop culture, and modern art. What I really want is for someone to see my candles and feel that same spark of curiosity and wonder that I felt as a kid rifling through those colorful glass perfume bottles.

Madison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The name Scent & Spill literally came to me in a dream (as cli·ché as it may sound). I knew then that it was the perfect name for my brand, and it was going to encompass all things bold and fun! I get asked a lot about where the “spill” comes from in the name and it’s because candle wax is a liquid when poured and then cures to a solid over time. I also make everything by hand in small batches in my home studio and unfortunately, spilling stuff is just a natural part of my creative process!

My work for Scent & Spill embodies those dream-like, surreal, and nostalgic elements, with a foundation of self-care and mindfulness that I learned while pursuing my degree in Psychology at UNT. Each fragrance is carefully chosen to feel bold, nuanced, and somewhat familiar, with names that suggest that it’s more than just another candle; it’s a lifestyle.

Though I think what ultimately sets my brand apart from other candle brands is the way my candles involve so many senses other than just the sense of smell. I intentionally use bold visuals, contrasting colors, unique shapes, and even music to provide you with a fully involved scent experience for any fragrance-lover.

Have you ever had to pivot?

It’s an interesting feeling when you realize you need to pivot. It’s like a constant itch that can’t be scratched, or a feeling like you’re not quite reaching your full potential.

I started my business in 2020 and spent months coming up with the name and direction for my brand, yet I still didn’t feel like I knew what exactly I was selling or who I was talking to. Sure, I was selling candles, but I wanted to sell an idea, or something more than just a candle. This cognitive dissonance led me to re-brand my business in 2022 and change my direction completely. Since becoming Scent and Spill, I feel that it’s been easier to communicate my story and find the people who resonate with the idea of living boldly and having fun more easily!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea that life is linear.

I have a habit of trying to meticulously prepare for something new to avoid making any mistakes. I thought that if I put all of my good intentions and effort into something, then I will get equally abundant results in return. However, at 26 years old I am finally coming to terms with the fact that life looks a bit more wavy, with high peaks and lower valleys. I have also come to learn that unexpected obstacles, failures, and mistakes present some of the greatest lessons and opportunities for growth along the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.scentandspill.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/scentandspill

Image Credits
Madison Batman