Today we’d like to introduce you to Desiree’ Johnson.
Hi Desiree’, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I found myself searching for a little comfort in the familiar — my favorite candles. When I stopped by Bath & Body Works during their semi-annual sale, the store was so crowded that the experience quickly went from relaxing to overwhelming. On the drive home, I started thinking: What would it take to make my own candles?
At the time, I was finishing my last semester of graduate school and finally had a little room to explore something creative. What started as curiosity turned into research, testing, and eventually, crafting candles by hand. Over time, that spark grew into Desired Esscentials — a home fragrance brand built around quality, comfort, and connection.
In early 2024, I decided to take a step back for personal reasons. That break gave me space to reflect, recharge, and refocus on the direction I wanted to take with Desired Esscentials. After reopening in November 2024, I’ve been slowly but surely finding my way back — reconnecting with my customers, rebuilding consistency, and sharing my love for creating fragrances that make people feel at home again.
Each product I create is a reflection of that journey — from candles to wax melts, room sprays, and incense — all designed to help others find calm and joy in their spaces, just like I did when I first started.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part, the journey had been pretty smooth before I decided to take a step back. I was steadily growing, connecting with my customers, and finding my rhythm with Desired Esscentials. But after taking a break, I realized that starting back up came with its own set of challenges.
There are moments where I feel like I won’t be able to reconnect with my customers in the same way or that I’ve lost some of the consistency I once had. It’s a mix of learning how to rebuild momentum while also giving myself grace in the process.
Even though it hasn’t been easy, it’s been a reminder that growth isn’t always linear. Every small win — whether it’s a returning customer, a kind message, or a new follower discovering my brand — reminds me that I’m still on the right path.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Desired Esscentials?
Desired Esscentials is a home fragrance brand that I started in 2021 with the goal of helping people create comforting, inviting spaces they truly enjoy being in. I offer candles, wax melts, room sprays, and incense — all handcrafted in small batches with coconut wax and high-quality fragrance oils.
What sets Desired Esscentials apart is the care and intentionality that goes into every scent. Each fragrance is chosen to evoke a certain mood or memory — whether it’s the calm of fresh laundry with Cozy Sheets, the laid-back feel of the coast with Seaside Breeze, or the rich, warm notes of Onyx Drift.
I take pride in offering affordable, high-quality products that don’t compromise on scent or performance. I also pour and package everything myself, so there’s a personal touch behind each order that goes out.
What I want people to know most about Desired Esscentials is that it’s more than just candles and sprays — it’s about creating moments of calm, comfort, and connection through scent.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is knowing that something I’ve created brings comfort to someone else. When customers tell me how a scent reminds them of a memory, helps them unwind after a long day, or simply makes their space feel more like home — that’s the best feeling. It reminds me why I started Desired Esscentials in the first place.
I also find happiness in the creative process itself — from blending fragrances to designing labels and seeing everything come together. It’s a reminder that growth takes time, and even small progress is worth celebrating.
Pricing:
- Incense – $5.00
- Wax Melts – $6.00
- Car + Room Sprays – $10.00
- Candles – $20.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://desiredesscentials.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desiredesscentials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desiredesscentials
- Twitter: https://x.com/desiredesscents
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@desiredesscentials
Image Credits
Desiree’ Johnson
