The Beginning of Studio McKenna

How did you two meet—and at what point did you realise you were destined to create together?
With a background in product development (Amelia) and marketing (Sally), we were each walking our own creative paths when fate intervened. Amelia had been dreaming of building a brand that felt truly different—one that combined design, fragrance, and storytelling in a thoughtful, tactile way. She knew of Sally’s work in the industry and something instinctively clicked. From the very first introduction at an event, a lifelong friendship was formed. What followed was a shared vision—and many conversations over wine—centred on the idea that home fragrance could be more than scent; it could be design, ritual, and memory all in one. That conversation never really stopped, and Studio McKenna, as it is known today, was born.

When and how was the seed of Studio McKenna planted? Was there a defining “let’s do this” moment?
There absolutely was. It was a moment of clarity where we realised we didn’t just have a good idea—we had a vision worth building. We weren’t looking to follow trends; we wanted to create something with soul, with permanence, with a point of view. That spark quickly became a fire.

What drew you both to the world of home fragrance in particular?
Fragrance is storytelling through scent. It’s invisible but unforgettable. We were both drawn to that emotional pull—how a scent can instantly ground you, transport you, or set the tone in a space. For us, it’s the final, intimate layer in home styling.

Was there a scent or memory that started it all? Something that still lingers in your work today?
There’s a moment that both of us return to often—walking into a warm home, the scent of something beautiful in the air, and that feeling of exhale. As mums, our homes are both sanctuary and chaos, so scent is the thread that brings calm, safety, and beauty to our everyday. That memory—of creating a styled but lived-in space where everyone feels welcome—is at the core of everything we do. Our fragrances are designed to be statement pieces, just as beautiful in form as they are in feeling.

Artisanal Approach & Materials

Your diffusers are unlike anything we’ve seen—volcanic rock, ceramic trays... Tell us about the materials you’ve chosen and why.
Our materials are deeply intentional. The volcanic rock is raw, natural, and porous—perfect for absorbing and slowly releasing scent, but also deeply symbolic. Amelia has long been fascinated with volcanoes—their power, beauty, and transformative nature. Bringing volcanic elements into the home felt grounding, elemental, and poetic. Paired with handcrafted ceramic trays, each piece feels like a modern relic.

Each candle jar is handmade in Melbourne by potter Eddie Mavracic—how did this collaboration come about?
We were drawn to Eddie’s work for its sculptural yet functional form. There’s a weight and texture to his pieces that felt aligned with our vision. We conceptualised and designed the vessels in-house, and Eddie brought them to life with his craft. The same goes for our diffusers—every detail was designed by us, then shaped and perfected through this special collaboration.

What do you look for when choosing local artisans and collaborators?
It’s all about shared values. We look for people who are passionate about slow, intentional design—who understand that small-batch production, unique finishes, and craftsmanship matter. Collaborators who aren’t afraid to experiment with us and who bring a genuine love for what they do.

Sustainability is more than a buzzword—how does it shape your design and production ethos?
We think about longevity at every step. Are our pieces designed to last? Can they be reused or repurposed? Do they enhance, rather than clutter, your space? We work with local makers to reduce transport emissions, use recyclable or minimal packaging, and create objects that feel too special to throw away. We believe sustainability starts with thoughtful design.

Craftsmanship & Creation

Hand-poured, hand-crafted, and uniquely finished—what does ‘handmade’ truly mean to you?
It means time, care, and connection. Each piece passes through multiple hands and processes—there are no shortcuts. Handmade means every imperfection is a mark of authenticity. It’s about the human touch behind every product.

Can you walk us through a day in your studio? What does your creative process look like from spark to scent?
No two days are the same. Some mornings start with pouring candles or hand-blending fragrance oils; others are spent visiting our local makers, dreaming up new designs, or packing orders with care. There’s a lot of bouncing creative ideas off each other, planning for upcoming collections, and thinking strategically—where we’re going in 3 months, and where we want to be in 3 years. Our product development list is long (very long), and choosing what to bring to life next is half the fun.

How do you curate your fragrance profiles? Is it more chemistry or poetry?
It’s a mix of both. We start with a feeling or a memory—something evocative. From there, we work to translate that idea into notes that blend harmoniously. There’s a science to the balance of top, middle, and base notes—but it’s the emotion behind the blend that makes it Studio McKenna.

What was the biggest challenge in perfecting your first candle or diffuser?
Bringing our ideas to life exactly how we envisioned them. We knew what we wanted, we knew our customers would love it—but finding the right partners, materials, and processes took time. The biggest challenge, though, has been keeping up with demand. We’re committed to small-batch production, and scaling while maintaining our standards is always a careful dance.

Personal Touches & Favourite Things

Do you each have a favourite scent from your collection—and why?
Amelia: Tomato Leaf – It’s green, earthy, and completely unexpected. It was also one of our earliest scent stories, so it holds a special place.
Sally: Coastal Wilderness – It’s fresh, wild, and grounding. It brings a sense of calm every time I burn it.

What fragrances are you both loving this winter? Any cosy, smoky, or spicy favourites? Right now, we’re leaning into Enchanted Wood and Noir. They’re deep, warm, and atmospheric—perfect for lighting as the sun sets and the house winds down.

If Studio McKenna were a place, what would it look, feel—and of course—smell like?
It would feel like a serene escape—layered with natural textures like linen, sandstone, and timber. Soft greenery spilling from ceramic vessels. Music low, light dappled, everything curated but relaxed. It would smell like something green and botanical, with hints of spice and citrus—sophisticated, comforting, and completely transportive.

What’s one thing in your home you couldn’t live without? (Aside from candles, of course.)
Fresh flowers, always. Soft linen. And a comfy couch for curling up with our kids or a good book.

Studio McKenna x St Barts

What made you want to partner with St Barts, and how would you describe the synergy between our brands?
We’ve long admired the way St Barts curates with intention—elevated coastal living that’s relaxed but refined. The synergy was instant. Our pieces are designed to enhance a space, to feel considered and quietly luxurious—and that fits seamlessly within the St Barts world.

Have you had a chance to visit our stores yet? What was your impression of seeing your work in our coastal-luxe spaces?
We’ve seen imagery and are completely smitten. Your spaces feel like little escapes—calm, warm, and beautifully styled. Seeing our pieces in that setting, surrounded by light, texture, and ease, felt like they had found their home. We can’t wait to visit in person for the exclusive launch of our new Lunara Collection.

How has the customer response been so far from the St Barts community?
The response has been amazing—warm, enthusiastic, and deeply connected to the pieces. Customers appreciate the craftsmanship, the story behind the designs, and the emotive nature of the fragrances. It’s been incredibly rewarding.

What’s next for Studio McKenna—any sneak peeks, new scents, or ceramic collaborations on the horizon?
We’re getting ready to unveil a new series inspired by coastal interiors—soft lines, refined glazes, and fresh scent profiles that feel both timeless and transportive. A new collection of handmade ceramics is also on the way, launching exclusively with St Barts. And beyond that, we’re stepping into a new product category that we think will beautifully extend our offering—something that still feels very Studio McKenna, but with a twist.

Explore the range - visit the online collection.