An interview with Yvonne Duncan-Mandel to discover the brand she has created and why she has chosen Logie Steading for her first retail location called SPÈ Atelier.
What is SPÈ Atelier?
SPÈ Atelier is the retail name for SPÈ Candle, the brand that I founded in 2017.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind SPÈ Candle?
My first taste of actual candle making goes back to summer camp in Loch Lomond where I was introduced to the artisanal craft of candle-dipping by a local instructor. Since then, I have always been attracted to the ‘craft of candle making’.
The SPÈ brand was brought into being at Glenarder, our highland cottage in the remote and magical glen called Allt Arder on Speyside. Glenarder is in a wild spot, surrounded by heather-covered hills, forests, open meadows with no other house in sight. The morning scent of sweet grasses, heather, pine trees and lavender in our garden captivated & fascinated me.
The first candle that I ever made was focused on capturing that very essence and was made in a small black shed on the edge of our open meadow. I remember I had a small electric burner and two pans. I literally started warming the wax and experimenting with different aromatics. I would spend hours puttering around, the cows in the meadow would routinely pass by within feet of the window. It could not have started in a more peaceful idyllic setting. Slowly over the years my skills improved, and my instinctual understanding of scents was honed. I also upgraded the 6’ x 6’ shed to a larger working studio, which is where the candles are made today.
What is the ethos of SPÈ Candle?
“Designed to fill your spaces with nature”. I am inspired to create products that tell a story, and where the primal olfactory memory of Scotland's untamed wilderness, botanicals and rich culture come to life, connecting scent to emotion and memory.
Therefore, it is natural that SPÈ Candle is inspired by Scotland's wildness, flora + culture. I create soy wax candles and aromatics using botanicals of Scotland. Handcrafted using all-natural and sustainable ingredients to produce therapeutic and natural aromas I only use sustainable eco soy wax, 100% pure plant-based oils, cotton wicks. Everything is Vegan and paraben free.
Why the name SPÈ?
SPÈ Candle is named after the iconic River Spey which runs only two kilometers from our home on the Ballindalloch estate. SPÈ is the Gaelic usage of the word Spey.
What was your first ‘scent memory’?
I suppose I was always a little nerdy on scents. My first real memory of scent was in my grandma's back garden in Buckie. She had large yellow roses and I remember very distinctly being totally fascinated by the scent of those roses, I would walk back and forth taking in the ethereal scent. I had other scent fascinations too, perhaps less enchanting in story - my Grandfather bred canaries for competition and sometimes he would allow me into his bird shed to help feed them, and the scent of bird seed and linseed oil, which he would drop in their feed, was just magical to me as a little kid. Also, on family road trips I was also the only one in the car who loved the smell of ‘the countryside’ as we drove by farming fields full of cows.
I try to unwind scents, for example as I walk along a beach I am trying to decipher what are the components of that smell. Or some mornings the scent of summer grass is intoxicating, but what aromatics are within that smell?
Can you tell me more about yourself and your partner?
My husband and I are a Scottish / Canadian duo, who love our nomadic life and work experiences, which have allowed us to live in London, Montreal, New York, Germany and Russia. We split our time between Scotland and Canada and are both luxury design professionals. I have specialized in design and interiors, while Douglas brings global experience in luxury brand management, having worked with LVMH and Christian Dior Couture. We bring a unique Scottish / Canadian experience to SPÈ, both of which are founded in outdoor wilderness.
Apparently you both have a long history of opening stores, tell us more.
Yes indeed. Douglas has opened more than 25 stores globally but it all started with our own KAMKYL Urban Atelier in Montreal in 2003. We had our own men’s collection and on a search for the perfect retail space we fell in love with an old building lying empty in the emerging area of The Old Port of Montreal, interestingly designed by a Scottish architect. Instantly the potential was seen within the disused walls and we set forth a major renovation project to open our first 2000sqf retail space.
After living in so many places, why Scotland?
As I was born in Scotland, my parents still live in Buckie, we had always dreamed of owning a property here. Years of living in Canada and bringing up two daughters there, didn’t leave us much time to travel here, but in 2012 after working in London and being transferred to Moscow, we took advantage of a “closer proximity” with only a 4-hour flight to the UK to purchase our croft in Speyside. Over the years it has become our special place and has allowed me to hone the craft of a Chandler. Scotland has so much history and heritage that it became fully apparent that the brand home of SPÈ is here.
Why did you open a retail store?
Retail and retail experience has become a natural thing for us; there is nothing like stepping into a beautiful retail location to experience a brand.
Scent creation and discovery is really a physical thing and retail is the only venue where all 5 senses can come together in harmony to create a brand experience like no other. Creating a retail boutique is the best way to discover a product like SPÈ.
Why did you choose Logie Steading to open your first store for SPÈ?
Logie Steading is the perfect location for the establishment of SPÈs first store due to its central location in Moray with easy and close access to Speyside, Forres, Nairn and Inverness. It plays a critical role in the development of SPÈ Atelier within the local artisan and design scene to offer luxury products and services.
Logie Steading’s existing community and aesthetic is perfectly aligned with SPÈ Atelier: A 4-star establishment, set in beautiful and nature inspired surroundings with attractive and quintessentially Scottish stone steadings and retail spaces filled with like-minded independent artisans and creatives.
As soon as I saw the beautifully restored sandstone steading, I knew to design a space that reflects an idyllic modern Scottish croft where clients can forget their daily worries and escape. Inside, you’ll discover our full collection of candles and natural aromatics, from our signature candle collections to botanical bath teas and nature mists. You’ll also find a curated selection of botanical-inspired homewares, with a spotlight on independent Scottish artisans.
What does the future hold for Spe Atelier at Logie Steading?
We find that the Logie Steading client is the perfect mix of local and tourist that expect outstanding experiences so we will also focus on building relationships that build long-term value and loyalty between client and brand.
In the months ahead, we’ll be introducing hands-on candle pouring workshops and creative experiences — inviting you to discover the artistry of candle making for yourself.
Any last words?
We are very excited to join the community of businesses and makers at Logie Steading, a destination perfectly reflecting the ethos of SPÈ Candle which is to “Fill Your Spaces with Nature”.
We can’t wait to welcome you to SPÈ Atelier, share our passion, and grow with this wonderful community. Come in and discover what nature smells like in candle form!
By Logie Retail Team
