We had the good fortune of connecting with Iman Laureano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Iman, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I started, I never intended to build a business. I began making candles out of a genuine need and desire for something non-toxic and safe to burn in my home. At the time, I was regularly buying candles from brands like Diptyque and Nest. But one day, while burning a Diptyque candle, I noticed how unusually hard the wax was. That moment sparked a deep dive into what was actually inside the candles I loved. What I found shocked me: many were made with ingredients linked to harmful toxins and carcinogens. So, I did what felt natural..I decided to make my own.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Creating fragrance is an art. When I first started the business my goal was to make a candle that wasn’t toxic and smelled good not necessarily create a master piece scent. As time went by I learned to appreciate the creation of a fragrance. How unexpected notes blend together to make a harmonious master piece. It’s not a black and white 3 step process it’s a journey. There is so much gate keeping in the world of fragrance but ive learned you can’t teach creativity it’s born. SNST isn’t your typical French fragrance house or even your local candle maker, our goal is to tell a story through each of our scents.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend was visiting town my number one pick would be bishop arts. The oak cliff area is filled with the best community, great foods, and amazing local retailers.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My biggest supporter would be my husband. He has supported all of my crazy ideas, backed me financially, and been my constant cheerleader. And I can’t forget being lead spiritually, God has gifted me with creativity that’s driven my projects, decisions, and fragrances.

Website: https://SNST.shop

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/snstcandles

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.