Beauty Boss: Laura Cler, Founder of Linnea's Lights
Laura Cler.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Laura Cler, Founder of Linnea’s Lights—a luxury brand of home fragrances that are built upon a foundation of quality and craftsmanship. The company was originally started by Cler’s mother, Lynn Manley, then in 2012, Cler took the helm and has continued to lead the company to new heights of success.
All of their products are made with mindfully and ethically sourced materials, designed and packaged by hand in their Midwest Studio, and they partner with local and global causes to contribute to a better and more positive world. Their iconic double-wick, small-batch soy candles, votive candles, and diffusers are available in an array of pleasant and intoxicating fragrances, some inspired by Cler’s personal travels. From cashmere and earl grey to Palo Santo, their expansive scent library has something for everyone to enjoy.
We chatted with Cler, who shared the inspiration behind the family brand, favorite beauty and wellness tips, secrets to success, and more.
When was Linnea’s Lights founded? What does the name mean?
Linnea (lin-NAY-uh) is a small pink mountain flower named after the famous Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus, who invented the classification of plants, animals, and all living things. Linnea is a popular name in Sweden given to girls and is the country’s national flower. As a name deeply rooted in Swedish family heritage on my maternal side, Linnea’s Lights was chosen as a tribute to the strong women who came before us and to pay homage to the beauty that exists in our natural surroundings.
Linnea’s Lights was originally founded in 2007 by my mother, Lynn Manley, to spend quality time with her husband during chemo treatments. Each candle was lovingly made at her kitchen table with quality ingredients that would not cause sensitivity or a reaction to her husband’s health. They spent time traveling to markets and antique fairs to sell their handmade candles, and they always sold out.
In 2009 after my stepfather’s passing, I joined forces with my mother to keep her love of crafting fine candles and his memory alive. We took the heart and soul of Linnea's Lights mission and worked with a talented creative team to bring our ethos and vision to life. The brand was officially introduced to the US market in 2009 with our iconic two-wick candle, and we are still going strong for over a decade.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
Growing up in a multi-generational home, I was exposed to creating beauty with quality ingredients over quantity while utilizing natural and local sources. Traditional family recipes were passed down from generation to generation and lovingly made from scratch on our large kitchen table. Fresh flowers were cut from the garden and displayed proudly on tables throughout the house or given to neighbors as a friendly gesture. My grandmother always had candles lit throughout the house and always on the dinner table.
As children, we spent a lot of time outdoors with our cousins and neighbors. We ran barefoot through the grass, played endless games of catch and freeze tag, and cooled off in the sprinkler on hot summer days. Tall pine and oak trees provided us shade while the scents of roses, lily of the valley, hydrangeas, honeysuckles, and a bursting garden of tomato vines, fruits, and vegetables permeated the air around us. Sensorial experiences have been our most impactful and memorable experiences, and we wished to create lovely fragrances that enhanced environments not decorated them with our candles.
Do you have a hero product?
Our Cashmere blend is our most popular fragrance throughout the year. Inspired by soft and sensual cashmere draping the skin and memories of home, Cashmere is a decadent and atmospheric blend that elevates any surrounding.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
I’m fond of our Reserve Collection because the blends are complex and are inspired from my travels. Figue Cypres takes me back to the South of France in late August, Amber Noir returns me to incense-laden India, Earl Grey transports me to the Charlotte Street Hotel in London for afternoon tea with a dear friend, and Fjord pulls me back to the majestic Sognefjord in Norway.
I also love to scent blend different fragrances in all my collections. I put a candle in separate rooms or even together to create a custom experience. Some of my favorite blends are:
Belgian Linen and Lavender takes me to flax fields of Belgium in the summer.
Sea Salt with Moss & Lichen returns me to Acadia National Forest or any national park by the sea.
Palo Santo and Orchard: Luscious nectarine balanced with earthen wood takes me to a desert oasis.
The entire Summer Garden Series together—Crushed Mint, English Cucumber, and Heirloom Tomato—when illuminated together create an intoxicating in-home garden experience.
Where are your products sold?
We are proudly sold in mid- to high-end boutiques, as well as in strategic national partnerships. Refer to our website to find a retailer near you.
Future plans for the brand?
We have lots of exciting new items, as well as a refresh to the brand set for 2021—so stay tuned! We are committed to crafting beautiful home and bath experiences through thoughtful, mindful, and inspired fragrances and ingredients.
Linnea’s Lights candles and diffusers are a tribute to the founding family’s Swedish lineage, and are made with mindfully and ethically-sourced materials.
What inspires you?
Maya Angelou. In the face of life’s hardships, she was the ultimate survivor, legendary writer/poet, and spiritual teacher.
Brene Brown. She educated the world on how the power of vulnerability can make our lives better and more enriched.
My children. They inspire me to be a better person and to be a positive role model in our world.
Secret to success?
Hard work, dedication, and perseverance will always serve you well. Find a supportive network and be willing to take risks.
Beauty secrets?
Drink lots of water and herbal or green teas, and try to limit caffeine (though sometimes a great cup of coffee or two is a must!) Get a good night’s sleep. Eat nutritious whole foods and laugh until your belly hurts. One of my favorite quotes is, “The most wasted of all days is one without laughter,” by e.e. cummings.
Wellness tips?
Keeping mentally healthy is essential to wellness for me. Take time to journal your feelings and make a gratitude list, forgive those who have wronged you, and do not be afraid to be vulnerable. Embrace your perfect imperfection the way you were created. Take care of your mind, body, and spirit.
Best advice?
Do not be afraid to fail because failure leads to significant learning opportunities. Hire talented women and men who are smarter than you are. Outsource talent where you can, and surround yourself with a diverse and loyal team of people. Always trust your instincts and do not be afraid to take risks.
How do you like to relax?
I love to read and escape into literature, listen to great music, practice yoga, enjoy leisurely bike rides, take long walks and hikes with my family and dogs, work in the garden, indulge in warm baths with dead sea salts and essential oils, and dream of my next vacation adventure.
For more information, visit linneaslights.com and follow on Instagram: @linneaslights
[Images courtesy of Linnea’s Lights]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk