Hemlock & Hearth is coming to Elaine’s! Be sure to check out this independent Southern Gothic-influenced fragrance house based in Alexandria, Virginia founded by Chanthal Harris

Her work is rooted in ritual, memory, and the belief that scent is a portal — to confidence, to nostalgia, to connection.

About the company: Hemlock & Hearth began as a candle and body oil brand in late 2025 and is expanding into fine fragrance in 2026. Chanthal is also developing Long Dark House, a forthcoming DMV indie bookstore and café concept focused on horror, thriller, speculative fiction, and sci-fi — envisioned as a modern third space for readers drawn to the unusual and the experiential.

A fragrance collector, hobby writer, avid reader, and gardener, Chanthal draws inspiration from growing up in the South, from family and community, from nature and imaginary and real spaces alike. She is inspired by the unusual, by well-worn books, and by the quiet beauty found in everyday struggle and triumph. She is also an animal lover and proud owner of two rescue dogs, Cocoa Puff and Biscuit, who often keep her company while she formulates and writes.

A DMV  resident for nearly four years, Chanthal hopes to cultivate a community for those who crave connection & admire the literary, the atmospheric, and the sensory. Her gatherings are designed to feel intimate, layered, and intentional. Hemlock & Hearth is evolving to be more than a fragrance brand, but part of a larger experience rooted in depth, ritual, and meaningful connection. Learn more here: hemlockandhearth.com.

The First Bloom is a celebration of spring — a gathering for those drawn to story, scent, and slow awakenings. This marks the debut of Scent & Stories, a quarterly Southern Gothic literary event presented by Hemlock & Hearth.

Held upstairs in a private salon space at Elaine’s Literary Saloon, this ticketed evening is reserved exclusively for guests. The atmosphere is relaxed yet intentional — candlelit, floral, and immersive. This is not a traditional book club , networking event , or crafting opportunity. It is a layered sensory experience.

Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy:

• A live author reading and book signing
• The public debut pop-up of Long Dark House, a forthcoming indie bookstore & café concept focused on horror, thriller, speculative fiction, and sci-fi
• Hemlock & Hearth candles, body oils, and fragrances available for sampling and purchase
• A Spring Bloom Bar featuring custom floral bundles available for purchase
• A ticketed Body Oil or Candle Making Class, where guests will blend and create their own custom spring-inspired fragrance oil to take home
• Complimentary appetizer bar
• A complimentary Hemlock & Hearth votive candle or body oil sample (while supplies last)
• Reserved seating in a private upstairs salon setting & relaxed atmosphere to meet new people
• Signature cocktails and full dinner service will be available for purchase from Elaine’s.

More than an event: Scent & Stories is a social literary gathering — an opportunity to meet new people, support emerging authors, discover a new book or fragrance , and experience spring through story and scent. Candlelight. Dark florals. Pages turning softly.

Reserve your ticket on Eventbrite!