The Art of One Maker

LITOTES soy-blend candles and fragrances are thoughtfully designed, hand-blended, poured, and finished by Kari Herrera in her Chicago-area studio.

A book critic and podcaster, Kari mastered the art of fragrance layering and wax formulation to reimagine moments from literature through scent. Each aroma is a love letter to literary giants, unforgettable books, and the soothing spaces where stories come alive.

Our Approach to Fragrance Creation

Kari approaches fragrance with the same devotion and curiosity as a passionate reader approaches a beloved book.

  • Top Notes

    Remember the first time you discovered a book you now cherish? That moment mirrors the first scent that greets you when lighting a Litotes candle. Our top notes are thoughtfully chosen to evoke the gentle beauty of our favorite mellow florals.

  • Middle Notes

    This is the heart of the story—the turning point, the page that keeps you reading long into the night. Middle notes are the most prominent aromas in each Litotes candle, designed to evoke a sense of deep satisfaction through uplifting florals and ripe, inviting fruits.

  • Base Notes

    You've finished the last page, closed the book, and are smiling to yourself as you recall each character and phrase. In our candles, these are the lingering notes that remain after the flame is out: comforting musk, enveloping vanilla, and rich, grounding woods.

The Classics = Three Collections

Litotes offers a curated selection of taper candles, car diffusers, traditional candles, and elegant candle accessories. Our traditional candles are known as The Classics, a signature line divided into three distinct collections: The Authors, The Academics, and The Library.

  • Peony Morrison

    Breathe in the beautiful blooms of peonies, accented with youthful bergamot and the airy freshness of dandelions.

    Shop Peony Morrison 
  • Luxury Soy Candle with the aroma of roses, woods, and slight musk. Flora Neale Hurston, celebrating author Zora Neale Hurston. Inspired by Black literature. Gift ideas for readers.

    Flora Neale Hurston

    Enjoy the expected romance of a rose, married it to the complex, deep aromas of wood and musk. The result is a modern take on the traditional

    Shop Flora Neale Hurston 
  • Luxury Soy Candle with the aroma of leather and balsam. Langston's Library, celebrating author Langston Hughes. Black-owned, woman-owned, Chicago-made luxury candle company.

    Langston's Library

    Our best-seller, this is a fragrance that recalls the well-worn leathers and pages within a home library. Place this candle in any room, and it will instantly become a warm, welcoming space for reflection. 

    Shop Langston's Library 
  • Maya Tangelo

    At the forefront of this popular fragrance is refreshing citrus, which absolutely delights everyone's inner child. It is then balanced with warm woods and mint tea.

    Shop Maya Tangelo 
  • Dark Academia

    Experience the cozy embrace of cashmere and warm milk with the captivating depth of sandalwood. Rich black wax poured within a sleek black vessel; Dark Academia is our first onyx-hued candle.

    Shop Dark Academia 
  • Light Academia

    Enjoy the nostalgic aroma of textbooks with the unexpected brightness of citrusy sherbet. Light Academia embodies a perfect balance of playfulness and sophistication.

    Shop Light Academia 
  • Contemporary Romance

    We've captured the sweet aroma of strawberry cheesecake brightened by the effervescent sparkle of limoncello in a blush pink package. Poured in a pink vessel with matching wax, it’s as charming to look at as it is indulgent to burn.

    Shop Contemporary Romance 
  • Beach Read

    Experience the blend of soft sand, sea salt, cardamom, and ocean water in a scent as crisp and revitalizing as coastal air. Clean and endlessly refreshing, it evokes the simple joy of toes in the sand and stories carried on the breeze.

    Shop Beach Read 

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Learn about our wholesale offering.

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