Fragrance is often described as the invisible element of interior design. It shapes the atmosphere of a space, evokes memories, and becomes an integral part of how we experience our homes.

For this interview, we met Aneesha Jethwani, founder of By Aneesha, a Dubai-based home fragrance atelier where scent, design, and storytelling come together. With a professional background in marketing, Aneesha has transformed her deep fascination with the evocative power of candles into a creative journey dedicated to the art of handcrafted candle-making.

Each piece is conceived not merely as a decorative element, but as an immersive, design-driven experience capable of evoking moods, memories, and stories. Inspired by emotions and contemporary life in Dubai, her creations act as silent mood-setters, infusing spaces with warmth, character, and a distinctive identity.

In this interview, we asked Aneesha to take us on a journey through the seasons, sharing the fragrances that, in her opinion, best capture their shifting atmospheres and distinctive moods.

Let’s start with summer: is there a candle that best captures the mood of this season?

This is my first summer collection, and I wanted to reflect true summer vibes in Dubai. Summer, to me, is warmth with families traveling, gifting, and spending time with loved ones, especially during summer breaks.

With Light of Dubai, I wanted to create something meaningful that people can carry as a gift for friends and family, a little piece of Dubai with them. Just like Dubai is known for dates, and more recently Dubai chocolate, I have a dream for Light of Dubai to become the next signature scent and gifting moment from the city.

It comes in two fragrances. Coffee, inspired by Dubai’s café culture and those beautiful café moments that make you want to slow down and grab a coffee. And Honey Peach, which is fresh, juicy, and captures that golden sundowner summer vibe. Even the design of the candle jar reflects this story. The Dubai desert, palm trees, and warm tones are all embedded in the visual language, so it says Dubai without even needing to say it.

When autumn arrives, which fragrance do you most closely associate with this time of year?

When autumn arrives, I most closely associate it with sandalwood.

For me, autumn is a season of transformation, when everything slowly shifts from the brightness of summer into something warmer, softer, and more grounded. Sandalwood captures that feeling beautifully. It is warm and creamy, yet calm and balanced, almost like that quiet transition in the air when the season begins to change.

It does not feel too heavy or wintery, but instead elegant and grounding, which is exactly how I see autumn, as a gentle shift rather than a dramatic change.

Which candle would you recommend for winter, and why?

For winter, I would recommend a warm and comforting blend of amber, vanilla, and a touch of cinnamon.

Amber brings a rich golden warmth, vanilla adds softness and comfort, and cinnamon gives that subtle spice that immediately feels cozy and festive.

Together, they create a cocooning feeling, like warm interiors, soft lighting, and slow, intimate winter evenings. For me, winter is about depth, warmth, and comfort, and this combination captures that beautifully in a very elegant and luxurious way.

Which candle best represents the feeling of spring for you?

Spring, to me, is renewal, softness, and everything gently coming back to life. It is that feeling of light in the air, warmer sunlight, and quiet new beginnings.
My ‘Sakura Whisper’ best represents this feeling. Everyone dreams of experiencing cherry blossom season at least once in their life, and I do too. It feels magical, almost like a moment you want to pause and live in.

The fragrance opens with Sakura as the top note, soft, airy, and floral, instantly capturing the essence of cherry blossoms in bloom. It then moves into fresh berries at the heart, adding a light fruity brightness, and settles into a warm vanilla base that brings comfort and softness.

In a Dubai context, I imagine it as serene spring mornings, soft natural light, and a quiet sense of luxury in everyday spaces. Sakura, for me, is spring as a dream turned into a feeling you can live with.

Is there a timeless fragrance you would choose throughout the year?

If I had to choose a timeless fragrance that works throughout the year, I would say vanilla. For me, vanilla is the most versatile and universally loved note. It has a soft warmth that makes it feel comforting in winter, yet it is light and familiar enough to work beautifully in warmer seasons as well.

In my collection, I’ve explored this in different ways. For example, Vanilla Cupcake was created with a more playful, youthful approach for Gen Z, while Vanilla + Caramel has a richer, smoother depth that resonates more with millennials. Both variations work throughout the year because vanilla adapts so well to different moods and preferences.

What I love about vanilla is that it feels emotional and nostalgic, but also very modern when blended correctly. It becomes less of a “seasonal note” and more of a signature comfort that people return to in every season.

Discover more about By Aneesha
Instagram: @byaneesha

This feature is part of Zayra Living’s curated editorial selection, created to discover local businesses and share inspiring stories with our readers.

Advertiser Permit Number: 9209478