Our Story | Caribbean-Inspired Luxury Fragrance | SaFiSpa
The Story of SaFiSpa New York
Rooted in the Caribbean. Crafted in New York.
SaFiSpa New York is a luxury home fragrance and body care house shaped by Caribbean heritage, family traditions, and the art of scent.
Founded in 2023 by Nicole and Rene, SaFiSpa brings together the warmth of Trinidad and Tobago, the rich fragrance traditions of Haiti, and the craftsmanship of New York.
Our story begins with the belief that fragrance is more than something we experience. It is a connection to memory, to the places that shape us, and to the people who make a house feel like home.
Chapter One · Trinidad and Tobago
Where Fragrance Became Memory
For me, that journey began long before the first SaFiSpa candle was poured.
I grew up in Trinidad, where fragrance was woven into everyday life. It was in the hibiscus flowers after tropical rainfall, citrus peels drying in the kitchen, warm coconut oils on the skin, sea breeze drifting through open windows, and Julie mangoes ripening beneath the Caribbean sun.
Much of that appreciation came from my grandmother, Vennera Julien, whose love for home, family, and hospitality left a lasting impression on me.
She understood that a welcoming space was about more than how it looked. It was about how it felt.
Those early memories continue to shape the way I think about fragrance today: as something personal, expressive, and deeply connected to home.
Chapter Two · Haiti
A Family Legacy of Light
Another chapter of SaFiSpa's story comes from my husband Rene's Haitian heritage and a family tradition deeply connected to candlemaking.
His great-aunt, Leonide Morencey-Devis of Petit-Goâve, was known throughout her community for crafting candles used during Saint John the Baptist celebrations, First Communions, weddings, and other meaningful occasions.
Her work reflected the role candlelight can play in family traditions, community gatherings, and moments of celebration.
This family history adds another dimension to SaFiSpa: a connection between craftsmanship, culture, and the memories we carry forward.
The Art of Scent
The Fragrance of Our Heritage
One of the most transformative discoveries in my fragrance journey came through Haiti's world-renowned vetiver, a botanical ingredient valued in perfumery for its distinctive earthy, woody character.
Its depth and complexity introduced me to a greater appreciation for the artistry of fragrance and the way a single note can evoke a sense of place.
From the fresh, vibrant fragrances of Trinidad to the grounding character of Haitian vetiver, the Caribbean continues to influence the way we approach scent at SaFiSpa.
Chapter Three · New York
From Caribbean Memories to New York Craftsmanship
When I later made New York my home, I found myself searching for the familiar feelings and memories of Caribbean life.
What began as a personal journey to reconnect with the warmth, beauty, and traditions of home eventually became SaFiSpa.
In 2023, Rene and I founded SaFiSpa to bring together our shared love of fragrance, our Caribbean heritage, and our appreciation for thoughtful craftsmanship.
Today, our scented soy wax candles are hand-poured in New York in small batches, reflecting a considered approach to fragrance, presentation, and everyday living.
Alongside our candles, we offer home fragrance, body oils, body care, and self-care essentials designed to bring a sense of beauty and intention to familiar daily rituals.
Our Philosophy
The Values That Guide Us
Our values reflect the principles that have shaped our journey and continue to influence the way we create and serve.
Simplicity
An appreciation for considered design, thoughtful formulations, and timeless fragrance.
Accomplishment
Finding purpose in the work of creating products that bring beauty, comfort, and meaning to everyday life.
Faith
A journey guided by gratitude, resilience, and belief in what can be built with dedication and care.
Intentionality
Giving careful attention to fragrance, materials, presentation, and the experience of every customer.
The World of SaFiSpa
More Than Fragrance
SaFiSpa is more than candles, home fragrance, and body care. It is an expression of heritage, family, and the memories that make a place feel like home.
Every fragrance is an invitation to create a moment of your own: a welcoming space, a familiar scent, a thoughtful gift, or a quiet ritual at the end of the day.
Rooted in the Caribbean and crafted in New York, SaFiSpa continues to grow with the same appreciation for fragrance, culture, and the beauty of everyday living.
Nicole, Rene & The SaFi Team