Meet the Makers

During a time of global uncertainty, Christine Starchild found solace in the familiar scents of home. “Growing up, home fragrance was a big part of my life because of my mom,” Christine says. “Lighting a candle, incense, or using a room spray was a Saturday morning ritual that signified house cleaning was done.” But during the pandemic, when home became the center of everything, fragrance took on a new role—using scents to mark the transition from work and school to personal and family time. That’s when Everything Chriss was born.

“I started with candles in 2020, then people began asking for incense,” Christine says. “At first, I outsourced, but I wanted it to align with my scent offerings—so I started making it myself. Now, incense has completely taken over and is my main income stream.“ More recently, she launched perfume oils, inspired by customers who used her room sprays as personal fragrances. "People at markets would spray it on themselves and say, ‘This makes the best perfume.’ So I created something skin-safe, light, and unique.”

Christine takes immense pride in her custom-blended scents. Spiritually-inspired scent names like “Lovers Rock” and “Grand Rising” highlight the unique touch that sets her products apart in a crowded market.

While Christine originally envisioned Everything Chriss as a home fragrance brand, it has also found success in an unexpected market. “There’s a strong demand from the metaphysical space, mostly store owners, and tarot vendors and psychic readers who use my products in their practices,” she says. This niche has helped the brand carve out a distinct identity and loyal customer base.

Despite the rapid success of Everything Chriss, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “Balancing my business with my full-time job is a constant struggle,” Christine says. As a solo entrepreneur, she faces the daunting task of managing all aspects of the business, from bookkeeping to production to marketing. One of the biggest hurdles has been scaling production without compromising on quality. “I want to grow, but I’m hesitant to outsource certain things,” Christine says. She remains focused on the bigger picture: building a brand that lasts.

Christine envisions Everything Chriss as a lasting legacy—one she hopes to pass on to her son. In building that future, she prioritizes community and sustainability as core pillars of her business. “I try to source as much as I can locally and support other small businesses in my manufacturing process,” she says.

Aspirations for the future include working with streetwear designers and seeing her products in specialty retail stores like Anthropologie or Urban Outfitters. Despite these ambitious goals, Christine remains grounded in her home-based operation when asked whether moving into an outside production space is a goal of hers. For now, her work/life balance poses no problems.

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, Everything Chriss continues to blend aromas and cultures, providing a sensory escape and a touch of luxury. Perhaps more of us could benefit from using comforting scents as a transition from our fast-paced work lives into our relaxed state each evening.