Black Excellence: Teri Johnson
Founder
Teri has been in enamored with fragrance for as long as she can remember. As a child growing up in Texas, she has vivid memories of exploring her favorite aunt’s collection of exotic perfumes and feeling as if an entire universe had opened up for her. She discovered early on that scent was a language for her to express herself.
Harlem Candle Co. is an elevated home fragrance collection inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.
Founded in 2014 by Teri Johnson, the brand was born from a passion for scent, storytelling, and the cultural artistry of Harlem. Each thoughtfully-designed candle is crafted to evoke a specific moment, mood, or muse – from the jazz lounges of Lenox Avenue to the captivating songwriting of Billie Holiday. With every flicker and vessel, we honor the legacy of the Golden Era, transforming its iconic past into sensory experiences for today.
Harlem Candle Co. has cultivated timeless creations in partnership with The White House, The MET Museum, The Wiz, and Gypsy. The collection’s beloved Purple Love candle was featured in Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2023.