A Cozy Conversation with Radha from Studio Jay

This month’s Candle Club box, Arrow River, is inspired by Arrowtown in Autumn.

Alongside your candle, you’ll find a small keepsake — an illustrated Arrow River vinyl sticker by New Zealand artist Radha, the creative behind Studio Jay.

We asked Radha a few questions about her work, her inspiration, and the landscapes that shape her art.

From Keepsakes to Landscapes

Q: First things first — can you tell us a little about how Studio Jay began?

A: I actually started Studio Jay back in 2012, when I created a baby keepsake for my then 5 year old for his bedroom. I started selling the keepsakes and nursery wall art online, and slowly over time, have moved into illustrations of New Zealand landscapes.

I tend to illustrate what I love, and because I grew up camping and hiking in NZ back country, then most of my work is of NZ's wild mountains and lakes and the gorgeous scenery. 

Q: What first drew you to illustration, and how did it grow into what it is today?

A: My dad is an artist (all sorts of mediums - acrylic, oils, charcoal, pencil, welding, you name it, he's probably tried it!) and so I guess it's always been in my blood. I've also dabbled in various styles of art over the years - henna designs, fashion design, acrylic paints, chalk art, digital illustration. In the more recent years I do most of my illustration digitally on the ipad, because I have 4 kids now, and getting paints out with them around can be messy! 

Q: Do you have a favourite piece you’ve created? What makes it special to you?

It's hard to say a favourite piece because I think I've done it, and then a few months later I might create something else that is my new favourite. I do love anything with some snowy peaks in it though, so I'd have to say my Aoraki or Hooker Valley prints are high up on my faves list.

Q: If people would like to see more of your work or follow along, where can they find you?

A: You can see all my latest work in my IG - www.instagram.com/studiojay.nz or purchase any of my prints on the website - www.studiojay.nz

Closing

This month’s Candle Club box is all about capturing a place — and the feeling of being there.

Radha’s illustration is a small piece of that story — something you can carry with you, whether it ends up on your water bottle, journal, or tucked into a notebook.

A reminder of autumn and of slowing down.

And we're so grateful to Radha for her story and for sharing her art with our candle community.

Join the Candle Club

Each month brings a new seasonal candle, a thoughtfully chosen cozy extra and an introduction to another local New Zealand brand we love.

May boxes ship 15 May, limited spots available.

Subscribe to the Candle Club here

A Cozy Conversation with Izzy from Harvest Fusion

Every month, our Candle Club box includes a cozy gift from a local New Zealand brand. This month, we're so excited to introduce you to Izzy Hart, founder of Harvest Fusion, and her wonderfully delicious bone broth hot chocolate.

When putting together the March "Woodland" Candle Club box — all warm cedar and amber, autumn evenings and slow mornings — we knew the cozy extra needed to match that same theme... something warm and nourishing you could hold in your hands while your candle burned.

Harvest Fusion was the perfect fit. We reached out to founder Izzy to learn more about her story, and we loved what she had to say — so we asked if we could share it with all of you.

Getting to Know Izzy & Harvest Fusion

Q: First things first — what inspired Harvest Fusion?

A: Before Harvest Fusion, I was drinking savoury beef bone broth every morning for the health benefits. I loved how it made me feel, but one cold morning I was craving something comforting instead of a salty broth. I remember thinking… I so wish this was a hot chocolate. I then had a lightbulb moment and decided to create it myself. I wasn't quite sure if it was possible, but turns out it is!

Q: Bone broth hot chocolate is such a unique idea. What makes it special?

A: It is a bit of a wild idea! Most people can't quite picture what it would taste like, which is part of the fun. But it genuinely tastes like hot chocolate. When I created it, I didn't want to hide a tiny amount of bone broth in a chocolate drink — I wanted bone broth to be the main ingredient. Ours is made with 73% New Zealand grass-fed beef bone broth, so you get the nutrients of traditional broth — protein, collagen, vitamins and minerals — but in the comfort of a hot chocolate. Bonus is that it's sugar free and made right here in New Zealand.

"I didn't want to hide a tiny amount of bone broth in a chocolate drink. I wanted bone broth to be the main ingredient."

Q: How do you personally enjoy Harvest Fusion?

A: I have a little ritual of having a bone broth hot chocolate first thing in the morning. I have two young kids who now ask for their morning "broff," which always makes me laugh — because it's not exactly something you expect a child to request! Sometimes I'll add it to my coffee and make a bone broth mocha (highly recommend). I also go through phases of favourite flavours — at the moment I'm back on the classic Chocolate, which you now get to try.

Q: For everyone who falls in love with this cosy drink — where can they find you?

A: You can find us at harvestfusion.co.nz where we share all the details about our products, ingredients, and the story behind the brand. We're also very active on Instagram @harvestfusion.nz where I share behind the scenes, customer moments, and what we're building. It's a lovely little community there.

Exclusive offer for the Little Batch Community

Izzy has generously offered our community 10% off her online store (Valid until 30 April 2026, one use per customer)

Use code: LITTLEBATCH

You can explore her work at harvestfusion.co.nz or follow along on Instagram at @harvestfusion.nz

Closing

We loved putting this box together. The Woodland candle, the little wooden spoon, a sweet sachet of something delicious and warm — it feels like the perfect autumn self-care kit. We hope you love it as much as we do.

And we're so grateful to Izzy for her story and for sharing her delicious product with our candle community.

Join the Candle Club

Each month brings a new seasonal candle, a thoughtfully chosen cozy extra and an introduction to another local New Zealand brand we love.

April boxes ship 15 April, limited spots available.

Subscribe to the Candle Club here

The Power of Collaboration: Our Partnership with Forté

Forté approached us with a vision: to create a signature scent that would embody their brand's rustic yet sophisticated aesthetic.

The Birth of "Sylvan"

During an inspiring blend session at our studio, we worked alongside the Forté team to craft what would become "Sylvan" – a scent that perfectly captures their brand. This scent tells Forté's story through notes of dry woods, rich spices, leather, and smoke.

The name "Sylvan," meaning "of the forest".

The Art of Custom Scent Creation

Creating a signature scent for another brand is both an honour and a responsibility. It requires deep listening, understanding not just what a brand does, but who they are at their core. The process was collaborative from start to finish. We presented various scent profiles, refined notes based on feedback and ultimately landed on a fragrance that felt authentically Forté while showcasing the artisanal quality that we are known for.

More Than Just a Candle

"Sylvan" represents more than a beautiful scent – it's a testament to what's possible when creative minds collaborate. Housed in our signature amber vessel and featuring Forté's distinctive branding, each candle becomes a piece of functional art that extends their brand experience into their clients' homes and spaces.

The Ripple Effect of Partnership

Working with Forté has reinforced our belief in the power of collaboration. When brands with shared values come together, the result is often something greater than the sum of its parts. A signature scent doesn't just smell good – it creates emotional connections, enhances brand recall, and provides a sensory touchpoint that customers carry with them.

Interested in creating a signature scent for your brand? We'd love to explore how we can help tell your story through fragrance. Get in touch to learn more about our custom scent services.