An Evening of Scent, Sound & Connection
Updated: Oct 15
Inside an intimate Atlanta fragrance gathering with Teri Johnson, Candleporium Fragrance House, and the stories that bring scent to life
EVO | Beauty, Culture & Lifestyle
There was something about the atmosphere that evening that made you want to settle in and stay awhile.
The glow of candles, the presence of florals, and the gentle movement of conversation through Candleporium Fragrance House created an inviting setting for an intimate fragrance gathering in Atlanta. Behind the bar, cocktails were being prepared while live music from Justin Ruff provided a smooth soundtrack that carried effortlessly through the room.
It felt warm, fresh, and refreshingly unhurried. The kind of evening where a conversation about fragrance could easily lead to a new connection, and discovering a scent became an invitation to learn the story behind it.
The occasion brought together fragrance enthusiasts, creatives, and curious guests for a meet-and-greet with Teri Johnson, founder of Harlem Candle Company and Harlem Perfume Co.
Hosted at Candleporium, the gathering offered an opportunity to experience Johnson’s fragrance collections while hearing directly from the woman behind the brands.
For a few hours, the space became a meeting point for people who appreciate the art of fragrance and the experiences that surround it.
And there was plenty to discover.
Where Fragrance Meets Storytelling
For Teri Johnson, fragrance offers a way to tell stories through scent.
Her work with Harlem Candle Company and Harlem Perfume Co. draws inspiration from the cultural legacy of Harlem, particularly the artists, musicians, writers, and performers whose contributions continue to influence generations. The collections connect fragrance with the people and cultural moments that have helped shape the Harlem experience.
Harlem Candle Company launched in 2014, followed by Harlem Perfume Co. in 2022. Across both brands, Johnson has developed a creative approach that places storytelling at the center of the fragrance experience.
During the Atlanta gathering, Johnson guided guests through a selection of fragrances, explaining the inspiration behind each creation and the meaning attached to its name.
The collection included Josephine, Showgirl, Golden Muse, Billie, Sensual Muse, Langston, Eartha, Speakeasy, and Duke. Each introduction offered another glimpse into the personalities and cultural influences informing her work.
What made the experience particularly engaging was the opportunity to hear those stories from Johnson herself. The fragrances became entry points into conversations about cultural memory, creative expression, and the lasting influence of the figures they celebrate.
Rather than simply smelling a perfume and moving on to the next, guests were invited to pause and consider the thought behind the composition.
That added context changed the experience. A fragrance could prompt curiosity about a historical figure, appreciation for an artistic legacy, or a personal connection to a name that carried meaning.
The Fragrances That Stayed with Me
Among the fragrances introduced that evening, two particularly captured my attention: Langston and Eartha.
Langston: A Literary Legacy
Named for celebrated poet Langston Hughes, the Langston fragrance draws inspiration from a literary figure whose work helped define the Harlem Renaissance. I was drawn to the meaning behind the name and the way fragrance can celebrate a cultural legacy that continues to resonate across generations.
Eartha: A Story Beyond the Scent
Inspired by legendary performer Eartha Kitt, Eartha stood out to me for the personal story behind its creation and its connection to Kitt’s family. Hearing Teri share that story added another layer to the experience, reminding me that fragrance can preserve memories and honor the people whose legacies continue to inspire us.
A Room Full of Fragrance Enthusiasts
Left: Denitra Michelle Middle: Owner of Candleporium Shondra. Right: Bae NOSE Scents fragrance enthusiast smelling Harlem's fragrance collection. Leah enjoying the smell Harlem's more feminine notes.
One of the highlights of the evening was the community that gathered around the collection.
Guests came from the Atlanta area and as far away as Nashville to meet Johnson and experience her work. The room brought together people with different backgrounds and creative interests, connected by an appreciation for fragrance.
And the fragrance enthusiasts were certainly in their element.
During a fragrance trivia activity, guests put their noses to the test, attempting to identify notes within the perfumes. It was a fun way to engage with the collection and see just how attentive fragrance lovers can be to the details of a composition.
Some people have an impressive ability to distinguish individual notes, and this gathering offered a chance to celebrate that knowledge in a relaxed setting.
I also had the opportunity to meet Bae Nose Scents a fragrance storyteller
whose enthusiasm and perspective made for an engaging conversation. Connecting with people who explore beauty from different creative and professional angles was one of the unexpected pleasures of the evening.
Content creators moved through the space capturing photographs and video, documenting moments that would later become part of the event’s digital story. Meanwhile, conversations continued among guests discovering shared interests and exchanging impressions of the fragrances.
It was a reminder that the fragrance community encompasses more than the products themselves. It includes the people who study scent, create content around it, write about it, and make it part of their everyday lives.
The Candleporium Experience
Candleporium Fragrance House provided a fitting setting for the gathering.
The venue’s intimate atmosphere allowed the fragrances to remain at the center of the experience while giving guests room to socialize and explore. Shondra was visibly excited to welcome Johnson, and that enthusiasm helped establish the welcoming tone of the evening.
The thoughtful details contributed to the overall experience. Florals complemented the candlelit setting, while Justin Ruff’s live music flowed naturally through the room. At the bar, cocktails carrying names shared with some of the fragrances introduced another sensory element to the gathering.
The combination felt considered without becoming overly formal.
There was space to listen to Johnson explain her work, sample the fragrances, and enjoy the company of other guests. It was an example of how a beauty experience can become more memorable when the setting encourages people to engage with one another.
For Candleporium, hosting the gathering created an opportunity to bring a wider fragrance conversation into its Atlanta space, connecting guests with a founder whose work explores the relationship between scent and cultural heritage.
A Little Something to Look Forward To
As the evening wound down, a handful of guests received an exclusive preview of Teri Johnson’s upcoming 2027 fragrance. I’ll leave the details to her, but it’s one to watch.
In the meantime, the fragrance experience continues at Candleporium Fragrance House in Atlanta. Stop by to explore the collection, discover your favorite scents, and inquire about pre-orders or in-store purchases.
You may not have Teri there to share each story, but discovering a fragrance is personal.
Sometimes, the scent speaks for itself.
More Than a Fragrance Gathering
Looking back on the evening, I remember the warmth of the atmosphere, the conversations, and the connections formed around a shared appreciation for fragrance. Hearing Teri Johnson share the stories behind her creations added depth to the experience and highlighted the cultural influences woven throughout her work.
For EVO, experiences like this reflect the many dimensions of beauty culture.
Fragrance invites personal expression while preserving memories, celebrating cultural legacies, and bringing people together through shared interests.
It was an evening that left me with new connections, stories worth sharing, and a deeper appreciation for the experiences that bring fragrance to life.
Cocktails at Candleporium: Meet and greet for Teri Johnson Candid phot of guest taking a selfie at Teri Johnson's Meet and Greet at Candleporium Shondra and Teri chat all things fragrance at the end of a successful event
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