“Amoy Oppa” is how a netizen describes her newest scented candle aptly named, Smells Like Lee Min-Ho. She got this from 325handcrafted, an Instagram shop that has recently come up with a line of scented candles inspired by K-drama oppas and BTS members.
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A Manila-based Instagram shop, 325handcrafted has been selling soy blend candles since 2019. But long before that, Founder Melissa Kay Pontejos already loved scented candles.
Back when she lived in the UK, Melissa had easy access to scented candles. Every night, she would light one as she took baths and relaxed with music, a glass of wine, and books.
“When I moved back here, I realised that there weren’t much options for me,” Melissa shared with TripZilla Philippines. During that time, scented candles were a luxury; so, she decided not to splurge on expensive ones.
“I started experimenting in our kitchen,” she said. “After a month, I finally developed my own candle formula that I am truly happy with. My friends started inquiring, too.”
Also read: These Scented Candles Are Inspired by BTS & Their Songs
On 25 Feb 2021, the shop announced their release of the K-drama line. In their Instagram post, they shared their first three fragrances: Smells Like Lee Min-ho, Smells Like Hyun Bin, and Smells Like Song Joong-ki. A while after, the shop formulated a highly requested scent, Smells like Park Seo-joon.
Also read: K-Drama Wish List: 10 Cute Gifts & Where to Buy Them
“These candles smell like the perfumes they use in real life!” 325handcrafted shared in its post. “We have done our research and used an exact replica of the scents they wear using premium fragrance oil.” Each candle costs ₱350, while a special gift box containing a set of three scented candles costs ₱1,100. The candles are also available through official resellers on Shopee for ₱420 apiece.
We asked Melissa how this line came to be; apparently, it was the idea of her friend, Julie. “We noticed that Filipinos, including myself, have become K-drama and K-pop die-hard fans. Julie suggested creating ‘Oppa candles.’ The thought made me excited; so the next day, I started researching their favourite scents. I started experimenting and it was a hit!”
“All my customers who have purchased Oppa candles love them,” Melissa added. “They feel kilig when they smell the candles — this was really my goal when I created them, so I’m really proud, especially of my first three Oppa candles.”
If you’re curious about how these smell, 325handcrafted also gives a brief description of each:
The BTS ARMY celebrated on 14 Mar 2021, when 325handcrafted released a candle named Smells Like BTS Jungkook (now named Smells Like Jeon Jungkook).
“Jungkook likes Victoria Secret perfumes and we narrowed it down to the exact one that he likes,” the shop shared. Not so long after, 325handcrafted released Smells Like Kim Taehyung and Smells Like Min Yoongi as well!
Also read: Heads Up, ARMY: This Local Bakery Makes BTS Cakes & Cupcakes!
Ready for your room to smell like oppas? If you are, check out 325handcrafted’s official Instagram page!
These quotes have been edited for grammar, clarity and flow. All images credited to 325handcrafted | Official Instagram Page.
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