Good Olfactory Candles: Participant Spotlight on Flavia Onufrei
Today we’re sitting down with Flavia Onufrei, owner of Good Olfactory Candles. Through the Seattle Restored pop-up program, Flavia aims to create a space that draws on the idea of building something that feels less like a store and more like a place people can pause and spend time in connection.
Q: Tell us about your business. What inspired your pop-up concept?
Good Olfactory Candles is a Seattle-based fragrance brand focused on creating candles and body goods that make everyday moments feel a little softer. I started the brand out of a personal need for small, grounding rituals—something to reach for on days that feel heavy, when even a subtle shift in atmosphere can make a difference.
That same intention is what inspired my pop-up concept: translating those quiet, at-home moments into a physical space others can step into. I’m designing the space to feel warm, lived-in, and approachable, so people can experience scent as part of real, everyday life. I plan to host small gatherings for DIY body and home care. My goal is to create an environment that feels less like shopping and more like a place to pause, reset, and reconnect.
Q: Why did you apply for Seattle Restored? how will this opportunity help you reach your goals?
I applied to Seattle Restored because I want to explore what it looks like to bring the feeling behind Good Olfactory Candles into a physical space. The brand has always been about creating small moments that make a day feel more livable, and I’m interested in how that can exist beyond the home or the weekend market. Seattle Restored feels like a thoughtful way to test that—within a community that values creativity, intention, and local connection. I’m drawn to the idea of building something that feels less like a store and more like a place people can pause and spend time. It feels aligned with both where the brand is now and where I hope to take it.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your business? how do you hope to impact the community?
The most rewarding part of my business is the sense of connection it creates with people. I’ve had moments where I’m helping someone pick out a candle as a gift, and it turns into a conversation about what they or someone they love is going through.
Those interactions—especially when they touch on things like stress, burnout, or depression—feel really meaningful to me. It reminds me that what I’m creating isn’t just a product, but something people turn to in real moments of their lives. I want the brand to feel like a small refuge, something that helps bring a bit of calm to the messiness of life. Being part of those moments, even briefly, is what I find most rewarding.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about you or your business?
I’d want readers to understand that Good Olfactory comes from a very real place in my life. I’ve lived with depression for most of my adult life, and creating this brand has been part of how I’ve learned to take care of myself in small, meaningful ways. It wasn’t something I found overnight—it took time to discover what actually helped, and that perspective informs everything I make. I’m also building this alongside a full-time career, which can be challenging, but it’s something I feel deeply committed to.
I believe in creating something that not only supports me, but can support others in quiet ways too. Giving back is also important to me, which is why a portion of proceeds goes to To Write Love on Her Arms. I want the brand to reflect the idea that even when things feel hard, there are still small ways to stay connected to yourself.
Q: Do you have any events or collaborations coming up?
We’ll be hosting DIY Ritual Body Oil classes with the first being Saturday, May 9th from 12:00-1:30pm. The cost will be $65; it includes a workshop on skin-friendly oils, essential oil blending, and a little bouquet of seasonal flowers. Other classes (with dates to come) will be whipped sugar scrubs ($45) and another for bath soaks ($55).
For more information, be sure to check our Instagram or connect with us via our website.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to locals, what would it be?
Allow yourself to feel rooted. I was born and raised in California and relocated to Seattle in my early 30s. I felt like I had finally found my grounding and community — life really opened up before me in a way my soul really craved. I say, stay open to that.
Q: Where would you take visitors or a group of friends for a fun, relaxed experience in Seattle?
I’d take visitors straight to the water—it’s always felt like the heart of Seattle to me, especially having spent time working at Argosy Cruises. I’d start with a long Locks Cruise, which is one of my favorite ways to experience the city—you get both the saltwater of Puget Sound and the freshwater of Lake Union, and it gives you a completely different perspective of Seattle. After that, I’d head over to Gas Works Park for a relaxed picnic with a view of the skyline. It’s one of those places that feels effortlessly local and a little nostalgic. To wrap up the day, I’d grab pizza from Fiasco and keep things easy, just sitting outside and enjoying the evening. It’s simple, but it’s exactly how I like to experience the city.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most in the coming year?
This year feels important: I am turning 40 in August while celebrating two years of Good Olfactory Candles. I cannot wait to see people walk into the pop-up space and discover new and good things. We have some secret product launches that I’ve been working on for the past year that I can’t wait to finally share. All around: more community, more connection, and finding my footing as an established business here in Seattle.
Visit Good Olfactory Candles
Address:
12315 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
Open hours:
Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00am-6:00pm
Dates: April 15 – August 23, 2026