Our Story

Shades of Blackness began in 2011, long before I ever imagined it would become a home fragrance brand.

It started as an online platform celebrating Black beauty and representation, a space created to recognise the beauty, individuality and richness found across every shade of Blackness. At its heart was something that has always mattered deeply to me, being able to see ourselves represented, celebrated and valued.

Over time, life changed, and so did Shades of Blackness. The pivot of 2020 taught me new skills and in 2022, I found myself returning to the name with a new vision. I had developed a love for home fragrance and for the way scent can completely change the feeling of a space. More than that, I became fascinated by its connection to memory and how one fragrance can transport you to a particular person, place or moment almost instantly.

That became the beginning of a new chapter.

Shades of Blackness was reimagined as a home fragrance brand, bringing together scent, culture and considered design. What began with candles has grown into a collection of home fragrance and body care, with each product handmade in small batches in London.

Although the brand has evolved, the meaning behind the name has never been left behind. Shades of Blackness is still rooted in the celebration of individuality. Our fragrances aren’t created for one type of person or one type of home. They’re designed to become part of your own spaces, routines and memories.

Building this brand has brought me some incredibly proud moments, particularly seeing something that began as an idea so many years ago take on a completely new life. From developing fragrances and making each collection to seeing Shades of Blackness enter new homes and now begin its journey into independent retailers, every stage has made that original idea feel even more meaningful.

Today, Shades of Blackness represents both where it started and how far it has come.

Rooted in Culture