Meet Bri Robert | Candlemaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bri Robert and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve been passionate about movies my entire life, and absolutely love the communal experience of seeing an anticipated film in a packed cinema. Over the years I’ve done a lot of production work along with being part of the amazing reparatory film scene here in Los Angeles which only enhanced my passion and love for everything film.

Over the last couple years some major personal life changes occurred leaving me in a contemplative state trying to find perspective, and needing to shift my focus completely. One night, a burst of creativity hit me out of nowhere at a time when I was in a major creative slump, and with that creative burst, the concept for Scents of Cinema was born.

Now that I had the concept, I just needed to learn how to make candles. I didn’t think it would be too involved, but I very quickly realized there is so much to the candle making process, and I focused for nearly a year just becoming proficient in candle making. Once I got comfortable and made a couple hundred test candles (at least!), I was finally ready put that practice into play, and launched my first candle for Halloween 2024.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I make hand poured, small batch, boutique candles inspired by films. I really focus on releasing one candle (or feature as I call them) at a time just so I can really focus on all the detail. I’m a big fan of indie and genre films and tend to pull from that pool. When creating, I think of the film inspiration first, and then the story, maybe I’m focusing on a character from the film, a narrative beat, or an interpretation or metaphor that really strikes me. The design concept then starts to move things forward. From the label art, the wax color, and the vessel color/style I’m putting the wax in. Throughout that process I’m running scent ideas in the back of mind based on the design, and then once everything is pretty fleshed out, I’m ready to finish telling the story with the scents! I’m incredibly meticulous about every detail, and want to ensure i’m putting out a premium candle in every possible way. My goal is to create an experience where someone can burn one of my candles (or wax melts), put on a film, and have it enhance their viewing experience. I also make a Popcorn scented candle, and I promise it will absolutely transport you right into that wonderful cinema lobby.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Definitely a tour of my favorite screens in LA! The Aero, The Egyptian, Los Feliz 3, Vista Theatre, New Beverly Cinema, Vidiots, Gardena Cinema, and hopefully sooner than later a return to the Cinerama Dome!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is to the American Cinematheque; an incredible non=profit group, programming the absolute best films and hosting the best events across Los Angeles. They are a big reason I absolutely adore the communal cinema experience. There is nothing better than being in theatre with a sold out crowd all hyped on the anticipated film we are about to see. It’s very special, and has been a huge part of my life over the last 15+ years.

Website: https://www.scentsofcinema.shop

Instagram: @scentsofcinema

Other: Bluesky: @scentsofcinema
TikTok: @scentsofcinema