You know, it all really began with Pelo.
The first truly original fragrance I created for Maison Sheba. I remember standing there, blending note by note, not fully aware that this scent would set the entire trajectory of the house. But it did. Pelo gave me the courage to believe that what I was building mattered, that we could create something special—something rooted in our soil yet resonant with the world.

My ritual with Pelo is deeply personal. In the mornings, after the rush of preparing for the day ahead, I reach for the Pelo body lotion. It’s a small moment, but it changes everything. The way it sinks into the skin, the way it lingers, soft yet powerful. I often layer it with whatever fragrance I’ve chosen to wear for the day. And suddenly, the ordinary task of moisturizing feels like an act of intention—a quiet luxury, a subtle statement. It adds that special something to the mundane, a reminder that even the smallest rituals deserve beauty.

Then there’s the evening. After long, demanding days—days where I’ve poured myself into creating, building, and pushing—I return home to Pelo again. This time in the form of a candle. I light it, and the room softens. The glow, the familiar scent wrapping around me… it’s as if the day finally exhales. There’s a calmness in that moment, a kind of strength that only comes when you allow yourself to pause, reset, and just be. That’s what the Pelo candle gives me: softness, luxury, and the strength to begin again.

And I named it Kerese. A simple word, but powerful—Sotho, Pedi, Tswana for “candle.” From the beginning, giving our creations African names has been my way of grounding Maison Sheba in authenticity. It’s a bold statement, but also a simple one: our roots matter. They guide us. They shape us. As the brand has grown, this practice has only proved itself truer, giving me the confidence to keep going, to keep telling our story. Kerese is not just a candle—it’s a continuation of that story.

So when I share this ritual, it’s not just about fragrance. It’s about inviting you into my world, into the rhythm of how I live with scent. Because Pelo was never just a perfume—it’s the heart of our house. And now, with Kerese, it can be the heart of your home too.

Use code KERESE10, to get 10% off your first candle order