
Harry Slatkin is an American businessman and philanthropist who founded Slatkin & Co., a home fragrance company, in 1992. The brand has since expanded its portfolio of home fragrance brands to include HomeWorx, ScentWorx, Aroma Home, Dwell212, and Club92, with products sold at various retailers. While the company aims to cater to price-conscious candle lovers, there is no explicit mention of Harry Slatkin candles being made in China. However, one customer comment on a blog post mentions that mass-produced candles from China typically use paraffin, a petroleum derivative, which can release toxins into the air. This comment suggests that Harry Slatkin candles may be perceived as distinct from those made in China due to their use of food-grade paraffin, which is claimed to be safer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founder | Harry Slatkin |
| Founded | 1992 |
| Company | Slatkin + Co. |
| Sold to | Limited Brands in 2005 |
| Relaunched as | HomeWorx in 2017 |
| Candle type | Food-grade paraffin wax |
| Candle ingredients | Vegetable oils, palm oil derivatives, synthetic resins, and other materials |
| Candle features | Lead-free wicks |
| Candle price range | $3 to $8 |
| Number of scents | 150 |
| Time to create each candle | 6 to 8 months |
| Retailers | QVC, Nordstrom, Kohl's, Ulta, Nordstrom Rack, Home Depot, TJ Maxx |
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What You'll Learn

Harry Slatkin is an American businessman and philanthropist
Harry Slatkin, born on August 14, 1960, is an American businessman and philanthropist. Slatkin is the founder of Slatkin & Co., a home fragrance company he established in 1992 with his wife, Laura. The company has since expanded into various retailers, including Nordstrom, Kohl's, and Ulta, and has a portfolio of home fragrance brands such as HomeWorx, ScentWorx, and Aroma Home. Slatkin & Co. caters to customers who desire high-quality, affordable scented candles, with lead-free wicks and natural wax blends.
Prior to launching Slatkin & Co., Harry worked at the investment bank Bear Stearns, which he left after nine years to start his own business. He is also an editor at Elle Décor and regularly appears on QVC to sell his fragrances. He has made guest appearances on various networks, including CNN, ABC, and Comedy Central. In 2011, Slatkin, together with Tommy Hilfiger and the Labelux Group, acquired Belstaff, a British outerwear brand, where he served as CEO until 2014 when he sold his shares back to Labelux.
Harry Slatkin has been recognised by the New York Times as the "king" of home fragrance, with celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, and Martha Stewart among his clientele. In 2005, Slatkin & Co. was purchased by Les Wexner for L Brands, and Harry was appointed President of Home Design for Limited Brands, overseeing the expansion of the home fragrance business to over a billion dollars.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Harry Slatkin is also a philanthropist. He and his wife, Laura, are dedicated to supporting their autistic son, David, and raising awareness about autism. They founded the first charter school for autism in New York State and serve on the boards of non-profit organisations such as Autism Speaks and NEXT for Autism. They also established the Center for Autism and the Developing Brain in Westchester, ensuring that it is accessible to everyone regardless of financial resources.
Harry Slatkin's success in the fragrance industry and his philanthropic endeavours have made him a notable figure in American business and charity circles. His story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and individuals passionate about making a positive impact in their communities.
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Slatkin & Co. was founded in 1992 and sold in 2005
Slatkin & Co. was founded in 1992 by Harry Slatkin, a former Bear Stearns director, and his wife, Laura. The company is a home fragrance business that has created collections for brands including Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, and Christian Dior. The New York Times recognised Harry as the "king" of home fragrances.
In 2005, Slatkin & Co. was acquired by Les Wexner for L Brands. Slatkin was appointed president of Home Design for Limited Brands, as well as President of Slatkin & Co. In this role, he oversaw the expansion of the company's home fragrance business to over a billion dollars.
During his tenure, Slatkin continued to develop new brands and products, including HomeWorx, which was founded to bring a luxury fragrance experience into customers' homes. Slatkin & Co.'s candles are made with lead-free cotton wicks and natural wax blends, ensuring a clean burn and a true-to-life scent experience. The company prioritises the quality of its products, recognising that it is essential for customer retention.
In 2017, Slatkin relaunched Slatkin & Co. as a separate company, starting with the HomeWorx brand. The brand was initially sold on QVC and later expanded to retailers such as Nordstrom, Kohl's, and Ulta. Slatkin & Co.'s portfolio now includes additional fragrance brands such as ScentWorx, Aroma Home, and Dwell212. The company continues to innovate and expand, catering to a diverse range of customers and retailers worldwide.
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The company's candles are made with paraffin wax
Harry Slatkin is an American businessman and philanthropist who founded Slatkin & Co., a home fragrance company, in 1992. The company has since expanded its retail presence, selling its lines at off-price and home improvement stores, such as Home Depot, TJ Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack. Slatkin & Co. is known for its candles, with its portfolio of home fragrance brands including HomeWorx, ScentWorx, Aroma Home, and Dwell212.
The use of paraffin wax in Slatkin & Co.'s candles allows the company to cater to price-conscious candle lovers without compromising quality. By using cost-saving measures, such as sourcing ingredients from different locations at varying price points, Slatkin & Co. is able to offer its candles at competitive prices while maintaining the prestige associated with the brand.
While some consumers may have concerns about the use of paraffin wax due to its association with petroleum, it is important to refer to the studies conducted by the National Candle Association, which confirm the safety of food-grade paraffin candles. Slatkin & Co. upholds the highest standards in every step of production, ensuring that their candles burn clean and provide a true-to-life scent experience for their customers.
In conclusion, the company's candles are made with paraffin wax, specifically food-grade paraffin, which is a standard material used in the candle-making industry. Slatkin & Co. prioritizes both quality and affordability, ensuring that their customers can enjoy luxurious fragrances without compromising their budgets.
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Slatkin + Co. sells to price-conscious candle lovers
Slatkin + Co. is a home fragrance company founded by Harry Slatkin and his wife, Laura, in 1992. The company has since expanded its portfolio of home fragrance brands, which includes HomeWorx, ScentWorx, Aroma Home, Dwell212, and Club92. With the recent launch of Club92, designed exclusively for Dollar General, Slatkin + Co. is now present in over 19,000 locations, including off-price and home improvement stores like Home Depot, TJ Maxx, and Nordstrom Rack.
As the company continues to expand, Slatkin + Co. aims to cater to price-conscious candle lovers. Harry Slatkin himself has acknowledged the challenge of creating "masstige" products—prestige products for mass customers—and the importance of balancing production margins with customer expectations. To achieve this balance, Slatkin focuses on maintaining the quality of the burn and pricing to ensure customer retention.
One of the strategies employed by Slatkin + Co. to cater to price-conscious shoppers is the careful selection of ingredients and packaging tweaks. For example, by sourcing fragrances from different regions at varying price points, Slatkin can offer candles with similar scents at more affordable prices. This approach allows the company to maintain quality while keeping the cost of their mass-market lines, such as Club92, under $10.
Slatkin + Co. also leverages its presence in various retail channels to reach price-conscious candle lovers. In addition to their online shop, the company has partnered with retailers like Dollar General, Nordstrom, Kohl's, and Ulta. By expanding their distribution network, Slatkin + Co. increases their accessibility to a wider range of customers, including those who prioritize value and affordability.
Through their strategic choices in product development, pricing, and distribution, Slatkin + Co. demonstrates their commitment to delivering quality candles at accessible price points, ensuring that price-conscious candle lovers can still enjoy a luxurious fragrance experience in their homes.
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Harry Slatkin is also an editor at Elle Décor
Harry Slatkin is a prominent American businessman and philanthropist, and the founder of Slatkin & Co., a well-known home fragrance company. With his expertise in the industry, Slatkin has earned the title "King of Home Fragrance" from The New York Times. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Vera Wang, Elton John, and Princess Diana are among his clientele. In addition to his success in the fragrance industry, Harry Slatkin is also an editor at Elle Décor.
Slatkin's involvement with Elle Décor showcases his diverse interests and influence in the world of design and décor. As an editor, he contributes to the renowned publication, offering his unique perspective and expertise in creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces. Slatkin's own homes, including his Manhattan townhouse and Palm Beach residence, have been featured in Elle Décor, providing a glimpse into his elegant and sophisticated style.
The collaboration between Slatkin and Elle Décor extends beyond his role as an editor. The publication has showcased not only his own homes but also the story of his and his wife Laura's entrepreneurial journey. In an article titled "At Home with Laura and Harry Slatkin", Vanity Fair offered a glimpse into their lives, including their shared passion for home fragrances and philanthropy. This feature provides an intimate look at the couple's success in business and their commitment to making a positive impact through their work.
Slatkin's role as an editor at Elle Décor adds another dimension to his career. It demonstrates his ability to not only create successful fragrance lines but also to curate and critique design and décor trends. His involvement with the publication allows him to shape the dialogue around interior design and share his expertise with a wider audience. Slatkin's presence at Elle Décor brings a unique perspective that blends his business acumen, philanthropic endeavours, and eye for design.
Through his work with Elle Décor, Harry Slatkin continues to leave his mark on the world of design and lifestyle. His contributions to the publication offer readers insight into the latest trends, décor ideas, and the stories of influential individuals in the industry. By sharing his own experiences and those of his peers, Slatkin helps to inspire and educate aspiring entrepreneurs and design enthusiasts. As an editor, he not only influences the content and direction of the publication but also connects with a community of individuals who share his passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces.
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Frequently asked questions
Harry Slatkin candles are not made in China. Slatkin + Co. is an American company founded by Harry Slatkin and his wife, Laura, in 1992. The company creates luxury candles with lead-free cotton wicks and natural wax blends.
Harry Slatkin candles are made of food-grade paraffin wax, which is composed of vegetable oils, palm oil derivatives, synthetic resins, and other materials. The candles are said to be free of toxins and safe to burn, according to the National Candle Association.
Harry Slatkin candles can be purchased through QVC, where Slatkin appears regularly to sell his fragrances. They are also available at retailers like Nordstrom, Kohl's, Ulta, and Home Depot.
Harry Slatkin candles come in a variety of scents, with new ones being released regularly. Some popular scents include Sea Salt Lavender, raw vanilla, and jasmine. Slatkin works closely with master perfumers to create true-to-life scent experiences.











































