Fragrance is deeply attached to emotion and memory. This was top of mind for Kelsea Ballerini when she collaborated with Ranger Station to develop her new Burn the Baggage Candle.
The country singer has long expressed her love of the Nashville-based brand, especially their Nashville Candle, but this latest development is a new stage in their relationship. Kelsea explains: 'Anyone who knows me knows that wherever I am – bus, hotel, or home – I’m going to have enough candles lit to be a fire hazard, and I’ve been a Ranger Station diehard for years. To me, scent is such a powerful sense that can make you feel nostalgic or peaceful, highlight your favorite season or holiday, or help invigorate new ideas or beginnings.'
Thus, her candle is crafted to reflect the stages of healing from heartbreak. Named after the third track on Kelsea's 2024 album Patterns, the complex scent of 'Burn the Baggage' captures the highs and lows of love and loss.
The vessel features a playful 'meter of healing' graphic, with each stage of burned wax representing growth. Once the wax is gone, the vessel becomes a cocktail glass, perfect for pairing with the enclosed ‘I Rode Off Into the Tequila Sunset’ cocktail recipe.
If you've recently gone through a breakup or are looking for a gift for someone who has, this might just be the best candle on the market.
Tenness iris, Orris, and Sandalwood come together as an emotional healing journey in this stunning candle. We can't get enough.
Of course, Kelsea adores the scent, which tops her list of best fall candles. The country singer explains: '"Burn the Baggage" is my favorite kind of fragrance, a bit of a grounded warm amber and a bit of a comfortable light iris. We wanted to tell the story of the journey of the duality of hurting and healing, and as you burn the candle, I hope it keeps you company on whatever journey you’re on.'
The beautiful scent was just as transformative for the perfumer (and Ranger Station founder) who helped her create it, Steve Soderholm. In fact, he never enjoyed floral scents until this collaboration gave him the chance to explore using them in an alternative way.
He states: 'From the beginning, she wanted to tell a story of two things: heartbreak and growth. Burning the baggage and coming out stronger on the other side. I knew this was my chance to lean into blending a floral with earthy, woodsy amber notes to capture those dual experiences.' Talk about elevated home fragrances.
Of the process, Steve adds: 'Tennessee Iris, the state flower, has long been a favorite of mine because it’s the floral for people who don’t usually like florals. You can pull oil from the flower and the root (orris butter), which allowed me to create a floral scent that was equally earthy. I love the dichotomy it represents – heartbreak and new beginnings. We’ve all been there in one form or another, and it shapes who we are. I think people will connect with this scent in their own way, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with the world.'
Shop the Candle Care Edit
Help your favorite candles burn bright and clean with these stunning candle care aids. These editors' picks are as beautiful as they are functional.
Candle wicks should be routinely trimmed for optimal burning, and why not do it in style with this chic, gold pair of candle scissors?
This gold snuffer also makes for a perfect nightstand or dining table accessory, with a lush, velvet back for safe storage.
Matches aren't only for striking, they can be decorative art objects as well, as proven by this gorgeous and unique L'Object edition.
Fragrance is always a personal journey, but with this kind of consideration and process, it becomes even more so. Kelsea Ballerini teaches that healing can be as simple as lighting the wick.
