Local Woman Creates Candles That Capture Essence, Scent of Hamptons

EAST HAMPTON, NY — A Springs woman turned personal health struggles into a flourishing new business when she created Hamptons Handpoured — candles that bring to mind the scents and essence of the East End.

Brittany Torres, 31, said she started the business in February, 2015.

"During a period of some issues with my health, I began seeking out some natural remedies and attending essential oil classes. Coupled with lighting candles, I found some light at the end of the tunnel with my health problems. During this time, I began making candles myself," she said.

Her goal, Torres said, was to capture the scents of the East End, which organically inspired her to create her new line.

"Growing up in Southampton, I had a clear idea of what that scent would embody along with other areas of the Hamptons that I had frequented throughout my life including Montauk. East Hampton, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, and Westhampton."

Those locales formed the basis for the original six candles in her collection, Torres said; today, she creates close to 30 scents that "emulate each little nook and cranny of the East End. including North Sea of Southampton and Springs, of East Hampton.

"My customers can represent their community in the most delicious way," she said.

Torres said she creates her candles close to home, hand pouring them "in the heart of the Hamptons."

The candles are sold in the off season in East Hampton at The Golden Eagle and Simply Sublime, Bridgehampton at Coastal Home, Southampton at Hildreth's Home Goods and Therapy Life & Style, and in East Quogue at Roses and Rice, to name a few.

The East End resonates, Torres said. "I love working with and being part of this community. Living out on the East End has given me an immeasurable value of knowing the area and allows me to relate to my customer and retailers," she said.

Over the past year, she's delivered all her orders in person, to help build relationships.

"Being a small batch local manufacturer, I’m able to accommodate rush orders and whip up inventory in short notice as opposed to larger, corporate candle companies that might not give retailers the same type of service and attention," she said.

The East End, Torres said, is the perfect place for small businesses to thrive; she's a strong advocate of shopping local.

"I have a passion for small business. I truly believe it drives our communities to be better, and there is a sense of heart and pride when you purchase products or services from your neighbor down the street or someone you graduated high school with. I go out of my way to support local businesses and our community's people," she said.

Torres said, when creating her candles, which are made with 100 percent clean-burning American soy and high quality fragrances derived from essential oils, all of which are phthalate free and non-carcinogenic, she aims to capture the natural beauty of the Hamptons.

"I want everyone, whether they have lived on the East End their whole life, or are visiting for a single day, to feel connected to this elegant and charming place. What better way than with the sense of scent? I’m happy to share my love and passion for aromatherapy, small business, and of course, this beautiful place I call home."

For additional information on Hamptons Handpoured, click here or check out the Hamptons Handpoured on Instagram and on its Facebook page.

Photos courtesy of Brittany Torres.