TALES OF THE NORTH BRINGS MEMORY, FRAGRANCE AND ART TO SALON RETAIL
Northern Ireland entrepreneur Alastair Gourley has launched Tales of the North, a five-candle collection combining fragrance, personal storytelling and original artwork. For hair and beauty salons seeking to broaden their retail offer, the collection introduces a gifting proposition rooted in place, emotion and memory.
Launched in August 2026, Tales of the North takes inspiration from Gourley’s childhood in Northern Ireland and his experiences further afield. Each fragrance has its own story and visual identity, giving salon teams a starting point for conversations with clients shopping for themselves or choosing a gift.
The idea began in 2025 during a visit to his childhood home, where an old photograph of himself as a toddler prompted him to reflect on the people, places and experiences shaping his life.
“Fragrance has always been a point of reference for me,” says Gourley. “A familiar scent returns me to a place, a person or a moment I thought had passed.”
Over the following year, he researched, tested and refined the fragrances alongside the artwork and brand identity. The result is what he describes as his “scent memory map”, a collection connecting personal memories with experiences others recognise.
Artwork forms a central part of the collection. Its art direction draws inspiration from Cookstown artist George Gourley, whose work features within the range. The images give the stories behind the fragrances a visual expression, adding another point of interest for salon displays and gifting conversations.
“I wanted the artwork to matter as much as the fragrance,” says Alastair. “When you look at each candle, I want the image to begin telling you something before you even light it.”
The launch collection spans five fragrances:
SPERRIN: Earthy, smoky and nostalgic, inspired by the turf fields and ancient scenery of the Sperrins. The fragrance recalls peat, the burning range and the familiar warmth of home.
FIRESIDE: Firelit, familiar and timeless, evoking glowing embers and burning dry wood. Its story centres on the warmth of the hearth and memories of gathering around a fire.
FJORD SHORE: Still, free and soothing, inspired by northern waters, towering cliffs and open skies. Sea salt and driftwood bring a cool freshness, with imagery reflecting the freedom of those places.
FOR YOU: Thoughtful, enduring and reflective, created around connection, comfort and hope. A soft fragrance accompanies artwork expressing light and transition, making the candle a considered gift for someone special.
CHRISTMAS TIME: Comforting, joyful and unforgettable, capturing the anticipation of the festive season. Mulled wine, spiced orange and festive sweetness recall familiar decorations, the tree going up and Christmas returning to the home.
For salon retailers, the range offers stories suited to personal gifting throughout the year, alongside a seasonal fragrance for Christmas. The combination of scent, artwork and emotional connection gives clients several ways to choose a favourite.
Tales of the North has its first retail home instore and online at Penny Farthing Cookstown. The collection is also available online.
Priced at £24 MSRP, 150g, for information and enquiries, visit www.talesofthenorth.com.
