Editor’s note, September 2020: In our Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story. And as we spend more time at home these days, getting cozy and catching up on our reading lists, we’re taking a moment to revisit some of our favorites—like the story behind this New York-based candlemaker from February of 2018.
Everyone knows that déjà vu feeling that comes when a whiff of a familiar scent instantly zaps you to another place or time. Whether it’s a crisp woodsy smell that brings you straight back to summer camp or a hint of perfume that transports you from your morning commute to your mother’s dressing table decades in the past, scents have a unique power to evoke vivid memories. For Brooklyn-based maker Rino Minami, this olfactory phenomenon triggered more than mere nostalgia: It was the inspiration for Tokyn Candles, her line of hand-poured, scented soy candles.
Explore the Tokyn Candles collection
“I’ve always been really into scents and scent memory,” explains Rino. Which is why many of Rino’s candles—Anjōu Fig Tree and Ginza Rose Japonica, to name two—channel the sights and smells of her native Japan. In addition to bottling up the specific (or symbolic) aromas of the places and people she holds most dear, Rino’s candles also integrate the Japanese art of musubi, a form of knotting that represents unity and togetherness. By tying an intricate knot around each candle from her signature collection, Rino imparts a bit of herself and her history to her creations—leaving her own subtle stamp on the memories she so carefully preserves.
Read on to learn more about Rino’s process and inspiration—then shop the Tokyn Candles collection.

What prompted you to start making candles in honor of specific places? And how do you use scent to capture their essence?
In 2011, I started getting homesick. I’d spent the previous 10 years in Japan, and I wanted to create a candle for each city that meant something to me. First, I set out to make a candle based on the city where my dad’s from, Toyama, which is known for its mountains. I experimented with mixing different oils until I found something that best symbolized the area: The forest mist candle uses evergreen and sandalwood to create the fragrance. The same goes for the sea salt candle, called Shiogama, which is where my grandmother is from. It’s right by the ocean and they’re known for their salt.
Why were you drawn to candles originally?
I’ve always been a candle fanatic—my husband would often complain that I spent way too much money on them. I just really love that time when you’re at home in your own space with your dog on the couch and a candle lit. That’s always been my happy place, so I thought, “If I’m spending this much on a candle, I might as well try making them.”
How did you hone your craft?
My sister-in-law is also obsessed with candles, and we love making things together, so at the beginning, we literally sat up every night for a month mixing oils trying to figure out which scents we liked best. We created so many questionably scented candles at the start. We also had to learn how to make sure the candles hardened and burned properly, which involved experimenting with different temperatures and techniques. You really have to play scientist.







What’s your favorite part of the candle making process?
The whole process is very therapeutic. You start out by melting soy wax over a burner, and it turns this beautiful golden color. I really enjoy putting on my favorite music, setting up all the jars and glassware, watching the melting wax, and just getting into the groove. I also love arranging the botanicals for my botanical collection. Each one is different because I hand position everything, which gives me the freedom to use different kinds of natural items. It’s like composing a flower bouquet—you get to play with colors and textures.
Tell me more about the botanical collection. How did it come about?
The idea first started when my mom gave me some framed preserved flowers from my wedding bouquet as a gift. They were so beautiful, and I wanted to come up with a way to create another kind of floral arrangement that wouldn’t wilt, and fuse it with my fragrances. So I went to the flower district in New York to see their dried flowers, and I decided to encase them in a gel, with a soy candle in the center.
The botanical line allows me to showcase scents through visuals, with different floral layouts for each scent. For instance, I use greenery like eucalyptus and baby’s breath for the Toyama forest-scented candle, and for the fig tree scent I chose iridescent stones and pink moss for a slightly more feminine look.








How did you learn about musubi, and how does it fit into your process?
I first learned about musubi when my grandmother passed away and I went back to Japan for the funeral. It was a very emotional time, and my uncle gave a moving speech about how we’re the string that holds everyone together, the string that my grandmother left behind. With musubi, there’s a unique knot for every life event, and I started learning how to tie the different ones. The knot that I have around our current candles is called the awaji knot, which is usually used for celebratory events like weddings, or simply to give thanks for a strong bond between family and friends.
Speaking of bonds, what’s your relationship like with your customers?
My customers are so willing to listen, ask questions, engage with my work, and really share their candid reactions. It’s so refreshing to get that feedback because I’m usually all by myself creating scents and designing candles. And I’ve realized that everybody has such different reactions to scents—people pick up a candle and it transports them to totally different places. The opportunity to hear those stories from buyers was an unexpected gift.







Where do you turn for inspiration?
One of the great things about traveling back and forth between cities is being able to see things with fresh eyes, from the design of the buildings to the way people dress. When I go back to Japan, I notice the difference in the culture and the fashion—I’m constantly fascinated by everyone’s creativity. My candles are my outlet for that.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
I enjoy the process of candle making so much, and connecting with the people who purchase my items. The fact that customers enjoy something I’ve concocted from beginning to end—that’s what really keeps me going.
Follow Tokyn Candles on Instagram and Facebook.
Photographs courtesy of Tokyn Candles.
73 comments
DeUno from DeUno said 2 years ago
Great product! Interesting story! Congratulations on the feature!
Sonja from LapCatYarnCo said 2 years ago
So beautiful!
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 2 years ago
Beautiful candle collection! Congratulations on the feature!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 2 years ago
Lovely shop and great items. Congrats on the feature.
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 2 years ago
Great story! Beautiful candles!
R.M Garrett from ArtisticAcrylics said 2 years ago
These candles are so beautiful and sensual, I can only imagine how good they smell!! It's amazing the thought process and events in your life that lead to each candles creation, appearance and sent. It shows that all has meaning; that even through pain and loss, something beautiful and sustaining can be created. Thank you for sharing your story, and reminding us all of that. I wish you blessings and continued success!!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 2 years ago
Such a lovely story. Congrats on the feature Rino! Wishing you and your shop a prosperous year!
Celina from lytomagic said 2 years ago
Yassss! I've been following Tokyn on Insta forever! So good to see them getting some spotlight, awesome brand and awesome products!
elle and belle Forster from elleandbellejewelry said 2 years ago
Your candles are lovely, Rino and your photos so beautiful!! Love the knot touch. All the best!
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 2 years ago
Ah! So beautiful candles. Love the use of flowers. Congratulations on the feature!
Carolina from Agirlwithfeathers said 2 years ago
Awesome shop! Congrats on the feature!
Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital said 2 years ago
Lovely shop, congrats on the feature!
Megan from MegansMenagerie said 2 years ago
Beautiful shop! Congratulations on the feature!!!
Tim and Brigita Cornwell from jacobswoodentoys said 2 years ago
Lovely candles! Congrats on the feature and all the best to you.
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 2 years ago
Lovely shop and sentimental, love the tribute to your father, beautiful story, continued success to you
Rhonda Stubbs from RhondaCorner said 2 years ago
Great story and very interesting process. Your work is very beautiful and thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your feature and I wish you the very best on your future endeavors.
Olga Kaplina from KnitteditemsbyOlga said 2 years ago
Beautiful candles!
One Stop Steampunk Shoppe from OneStopSteamShoppe said 2 years ago
Lovely shop! Congratulations on your feature! : )
Kim Cole from BeachDaisyJewelry said 2 years ago
Beautiful shop, love the pretty flowers used to make your candles!! Congratulations on the feature.
Liana from WildRoseAndSparrow said 2 years ago
I love the thoughtfulness and the level of symbolism and care that went into these candles. The notion of capturing a memory through scent is a beautiful one. :) The look of the botanical collection somehow makes me think of lovely herbariums.
Wendy Lawhon from BesemNaturalScents said 2 years ago
I have always loved the look of your candles. They are beautiful! Congratulations on the feature!
Brigitte Cornell from NeedlecraftSuperShop said 2 years ago
Those look so refreshing and clean. Wow!
Leo Nuvunga from AfricanCraftsCenter said 2 years ago
Beautiful candles! Congrats!
AnitasPottery.com from potterybyAnita said 2 years ago
Wow! You have really elevated the candle to an art form! What a unique way to make the designs your own. CONGRATS on being featured and for having such a novel idea! Loved your story, too! It's true--family is everything! Best Wishes! 💜💜💜
Monika Moroz from NickoArts said 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing your inspiring and interesting story. Congratulations on the feature of your beautiful shop. I wish you all the Best :)
Bonnie from PeekaBooPeanuts said 2 years ago
Your Candles are absolutely gorgeous!! Congrats on your feature!
Valentina from KnittedJoyShop said 2 years ago
Very beautiful store, beautiful photo. I am very interested in Japan. I wish good luck to your store and a lot of sales.
Barbara Gable from CrazyLovely said 2 years ago
Your candles are beautiful! Congratulations on the feature. Well deserved!
Fields Of Vintage from FieldsOfVintage said 2 years ago
What a Lovely shop! Congrats on the Feature.
Liene from SilkArtbyLiene said 2 years ago
It is so nice thing to do making candles. Wish you all the best.
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 2 years ago
It is so nice! Great idea to make such a beautiful botanical collection
viena bone from bonesreusablebags said 2 years ago
Wow, your botanical collection is so beautiful! Excellent job! COngrats on the feature
Sam Browne from HandyMandyPurses said 2 years ago
Class, style and elegance Rino - you've got it all ♥ Congratulations on being featured and thank you for being such an inspiring Etsy seller.
Marcel Schmitz from ThisIsRealAmber said 2 years ago
WOOOOOW so cool. :-)
Anna Bernfeld from Aquani said 2 years ago
Beautiful!
Petra from House96 said 2 years ago
This candles are sooooo beautiful. Bravo!
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 2 years ago
Wow, these candles are gorgeous! I can only imagine how wonderful they smell, too :) I am going to have to try them for Christmas gifts this year!
SimplyCuteArt posh from SimplyCuteArt said 2 years ago
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!!
Sharon from YearsAfter said 2 years ago
Beautiful candles! I can smell the scent from here! Congrats!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 2 years ago
very beautiful. Good luck with your shop!!!
Christopher Dina from ChristopherDina said 2 years ago
Love seeing elements of the botanical plant incorporated into the candle – beautiful! Also, so nice to know the scents are inspired by the places you cherish - a lovely concept.
Nadia Kate from CuteThingsOnEtsy said 2 years ago
Great! Congrats!
RG from LaRenaissanceGirl said 2 years ago
I'm so glad Etsy featured this shop. Absolutely gorgeous candles. What a great story. Going to check out the shop now!
Natalya Ashkina from MagicKnittingNeedle said 2 years ago
It is so incredibly great when you can do what you have always loved doing. Congratulation!!!!
XDesignArt from XdesignArt said 2 years ago
Your candles are lovely. Wish you all the best!
Danny N. from ShirtCandy said 1 year ago
Love your products!
ciaffi from ciaffi said 115 days ago
So nice!! Congratulations!! :-) :-)
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 115 days ago
Still the same beautiful candles!
branda Moreno from branda said 115 days ago
Compliments!! :-) :-)
Ana Paula from macraMe said 115 days ago
Great!! Congrats!!!
cherryZO from cherryZOknickKnacks said 115 days ago
What a beautiful shop ! Congratulations on the feature !
Anna from SublimationDesignsAn said 115 days ago
Very beautiful candles! Nothing extra.
Sima from HappiestSimShop said 114 days ago
Сandles always fill the house with coziness. And such candles will remind about the warm summer on long cold autumn and wintry evenings)
Maria from EcoLinenShopArt said 114 days ago
Very beautiful) true) no words) of all the candles that I saw - these are the most beautiful
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 114 days ago
Love the floral touch.
Nina from OriginalJewelrByNina said 114 days ago
Какая чудесная история! Удачи и упспехов!
AlexaMamas from BoringThingsShop said 114 days ago
Insanely inspired by photos from the store! Immediately want to grab camera and run to take new super light pictures for my Etsy- store Thanks this article 🖤
Sharon from YearsAfter said 114 days ago
Congrats on your beautiful candles that are so beautifully decorated!
Anik Sales from TheNapkinAtelier said 114 days ago
Love her story and her candles are divine! Have become a fan.
Mariya from MagicArtForYou said 114 days ago
Very beautiful candles! They always add warmth and comfort to the house, it is pleasant to look at the flickering light, it always prompts thoughts and dreams!
accentonvintage from accentonvintage said 114 days ago
Beautiful candles! Great story!
Alisa Lobanova from AlishaCosyCrafts said 114 days ago
Congratulations on the feature! Amazing candles, haven't seen anything like these before 😍 Story and photos are so lovely!
Alice Stanley said 113 days ago
I loved your products, great gift items and for personal embellishments.
Andrei from PuzzleManiaShop said 113 days ago
Very beautiful candle and interesting story! Thanks!
Oriaku Onuoha-Bean from JewelryByOri said 113 days ago
These are beautiful and so thoughtful!
Carol from MasCollected said 110 days ago
Thank you Lilith and Rino for this revisit. These are such special candles. Perfect for right now.
Krzysztof Orłowski said 109 days ago
Super artykuł, super produkt. Krzysiek
Kim Willoughby from ClearstoryGlass said 107 days ago
The shop name "Tokyn" - (Tokyo + Brooklyn) - has got to be one of the best Etsy brand names I've ever heard. It's really perfect and I'm slightly jealous of it. :). These are beautiful candles.
Charm Full from CharmFullDesignsLLC said 103 days ago
💜"Visually" Fragrant and Peaceful💜 Very nice shop feature.
Jenny Yak from YaksStore said 102 days ago
lovely candle!
Abri Designs from AbriDesigns said 102 days ago
The collection looks amazing!!!!!!
G Nikomedi from Haikugi said 99 days ago
Very nice products and strong story behind them.Love it.
Erin from PetitDogApparel said 32 days ago
These are so beautiful!! Going to buy some now :)