Hello there friends
Hey, I'm Sharlene, the hands and heart behind Waionehu.
From blending fragrances and hand-pouring candles to designing labels, packing orders and keeping the website running, every part of Waionehu is created by me. It's a small business in every sense of the word, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Inspired by nature and a love of living beautifully, I create home fragrances that transform the everyday. Whether it's a softly glowing candle or a scented wax tablet tucked into a wardrobe or linen cupboard, I hope each piece brings warmth, beauty and a little moment of joy to your home.
My Story
I've always believed creativity has a way of weaving through our lives.
As a little girl it began with my mum's sewing machine. That curiosity grew into studying fibre, fabric and fashion before leading me into bridal design, where I learned the art of creating wedding gowns entirely by hand. Later I retrained as an interior stylist and colour consultant, discovering a love of creating beautiful spaces as much as beautiful objects.
In 2016 I founded The Wildflower Studio in Kiama, NSW, where I spent six wonderful years immersed in flowers, colour and the joy of celebrating life's special moments. Although I eventually sold the business, it only strengthened my belief that beauty has the power to change the way we feel.
I've never been able to settle on just one creative pursuit—fortunately, they all seem to find a home at Waionehu.
Life then took my husband and me back to his family's farm in New Zealand, where we embraced a slower way of living. We grew vegetables, baked sourdough, experimented with fermentation and hosted creative workshops. It was there that I first began making scented wax wardrobe tablets, inspired by a desire to bring fragrance into the everyday corners of a home.
When we returned to tropical North Queensland in 2025 to be closer to family, Waionehu naturally evolved from that experience. What began with hand-poured wax wardrobe tablets has since grown to include coconut soy candles, with many more ideas quietly waiting their turn.
Looking back, I've realised they were never separate creative pursuits at all—they were all leading me here.
Today, every Waionehu product is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted by me in my little studio. My inspiration comes from nature, gardens, seasonal living and the simple rituals that make a house feel like home. My hope is that each piece brings a little beauty, warmth and fragrance to your everyday.
When I'm not pouring candles, you'll usually find me sketching ideas or learning the fascinating world of surface pattern design. One day I hope those botanical illustrations and patterns will find their way onto fabrics and homewares, allowing Waionehu to grow into a collection that celebrates living beautifully, wherever you are.
Thank you for stopping by and supporting my small business. Whether you've discovered Waionehu through one of my lovely stockists, at a market, or online, I'm so happy you're here.
I hope you'll stay a while—join my wonderfully irregular newsletter, follow along on Instagram or Substack, and come with me as Waionehu continues to grow.
