Shop by Scent
Shop by Scent Family
Shop by Scent
Shop by Scent Family
Shop by Scent
Shop by Scent Family
Shop by Scent
Shop by Scent Family
British brand, Urban Apothecary, started life from the kitchen table, fuelled by a passion for fragrance and a desire to layer traditional ingredients of flowers, fruits, resins and woods in unconventional, contemporary ways.
Every fragrance shaped from a collaboration of art with science, is inspired by a personal recollection brought to life through the clever blending of notes rich with ambience. These distinctive aromas, a mixture of moods and memories, are curated into a collection of original scents for the home and body. Dress the urban environment with fragrances that inspire, nurture and transport, while choosing scents for yourself that engage the senses and leave you feeling luxuriously pampered.
Founder Tajinder Banwait MBE, both entrepreneur and beauty industry stalwart, is the creative force behind the brand. Part fragrance ‘nose’ and artisan, she is the perfumer-alchemist that brings an unusual approach to the pairing of botanicals.
From an early age, Tajinder began a love affair with perfume that continues to this day. She believes that locking memories in fragrance, as if each were a scented snapshot, is a pleasing way to remember special moments. Hence every fragrance recounts a personal experience, from walking in woodland after rain, to catching the intriguing perfumed sillage of a passing stranger. These nostalgic musings encourage connection by evoking memories and becoming the catalyst for creating moods.
In 2012, Urban Apothecary was born at the kitchen table. It was here, with an abundance of aromatic botanicals spilling from beautiful bottles that an idea took root. Why not channel this love for fragrances that stir the senses, plus stylish home accessories, into a unique lifestyle collection.
Today, there’s a Leicestershire candle factory and smart offices to house the beautifully crafted, award-winning collections, with every product, alongside all the scents, drawing deeply from the original ethos.
On lighting one of the natural vegan candles, or after placing the smart black reeds in the apothecary-style diffuser, a scented story begins to unravel in the air, note by note. Be engaged by aromatic expressions for the home that paint a mood through emotion, inspire the senses to fall in love with fragrance, and allow your own scented memoire to begin.
The first candle collection launches and word of mouth helps establish a cult status. Fans of the brand request diffusers and after sourcing the perfect apothecary-style bottle and statement reeds, they quickly follow.
The inaugural home collection is showcased in a great British lifestyle store, with fast expansion from 13 to 27 locations. Success continues with London’s Top Drawer show awarding the accolade of ‘Best New Product’.
Alongside ‘Start-up 100’, ‘O2 Smarta’ and ‘Best New Business’ wins, personal recognition is bestowed upon Tajinder, Urban Apothecary’s founder, with the title ‘Mumpreneur of the Year’.
Candles are selling out faster than they can be made, so in-house production begins. The first run of hand-poured, natural vegan candles leaves the newly created Urban Apothecary Leicestershire candle factory.
Having started with ten products, including the signature candles, the collection increases to over 100 items. As sales gain momentum, the team begin to curate and plan for the future.
Following the brand’s first five years, a new chapter begins and a fresh aesthetic is revealed. The founder’s love of minimalistic design details pared back to reveal true beauty is reflected in the stunning new look.
After creating a new luxurious, hand and body range that complements the bespoke scents of the home fragrance, the expanded collection delights both existing devotees and entices new ones.
With increasing popularity worldwide, Urban Apothecary officially becomes a global brand. The home fragrance plus hand and body, now retails in luxury stores across Europe, Australia, Asia and beyond.
Despite a challenging year around the world, business is thriving. New launches include the luxurious, moisturising hand gels created for cleansing on the go. Additional retail partners help to meet the increased demand.
Red is the new black! The new ruby candles and diffusers delight both British fans and the growing international followers. These complex fragrances with unconventional names are a sell-out success.
A prestigious ‘Queen’s Award for Enterprise’ recognises Urban Apothecary’s success in international trade. The online store is refreshed with an exciting visual landscape and Oudh Geranium room spray receives a Pure Beauty silver award for Best New Home Fragrance.
In addition to the launch of an eco-friendly hotel collection, new products include a coronation limited edition and the festive fragrance Winter Wonderland. A Made In Britain certificate guarantees everything is manufactured in England to the highest quality.
A noteworthy year begins with founder Tajinder Banwait awarded an MBE for services to Business and the Beauty Industry in the New Year Honours List 2024.
