In a world where wellness rituals meet refined fragrance artistry, two driven women — Bbody entrepreneur Jill Cnudde and Nathalie Baeten of Le Parfum de Nathalie — joined forces to create something unexpected: a matcha scented candle with a luxurious twist. Their collaboration, Matcha Made in Heaven, blends shared passions, personal stories, and a mutual love for mindful living.
Text Anja Van Der Borght
Q: How did the idea for Matcha Made in Heaven originate?
Nathalie Baeten.: “The idea truly came from Jill. She emailed me one day asking if we could meet, and shortly after, we sat down together. That’s when she suggested creating a matcha candle together. I immediately loved the idea and said ‘yes’ without any hesitation.
I’ve known Jill for quite some time — she attends our annual Le Parfum de Nathalie event, where we thank our clients and friends and present new creations. And of course, I’m a real matcha lover myself. Every morning I start my day with a warm matcha with coconut milk. It’s my little me-time ritual.
Jill and I share many similarities, which I find essential in a collaboration. We both care deeply about health, we each run our own brands, we’re sporty, and we’re both very driven. The timing was also perfect for me: both my daughters are studying abroad now, giving me more space to pursue new passions like this collaboration. Chloë studies business in Madrid and my youngest, Alizée, recently started a management degree in Paris. As a family, we love discovering trendy matcha bars together on weekends — my daughters find them on TikTok, and we visit them all. Even my husband Marc has become a matcha fan. No one would have expected that, but it’s true.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about the collaboration?
Nathalie Baeten: “It’s an incredible compliment that a young woman like Jill approached me for a collaboration. I’m old enough to be her mother, yet working with younger people energizes me. It pushes me to think differently — and perhaps even makes me feel a bit younger myself. For me, this collaboration truly is a match made in heaven.”
Q: Jill, how did you both move forward once you decided to collaborate? What did the creative process look like?
Jill Cnudde.: “I had been searching for a refined matcha fragrance — a genuine signature scent. And who better to create such a scent than Nathalie? I’ve been a fan of Le Parfum de Nathalie for years. She managed to add a touch of luxury to matcha. I believe the result is an exceptional fragrance that we crafted together.”
Q: Nathalie, how does this matcha candle fit within the universe of Le Parfum de Nathalie?
Nathalie Baeten: “All my fragrances are oriental amber perfumes — and Matcha Made in Heaven also fits within that family. Yet at the same time, it is something completely new. It pushed me to think outside the box, which is refreshing.
My first fragrance, Mountain Chic, was created for our hotel Le Sanglier des Ardennes in Durbuy and later expanded into a full body-care line. Then came an interior fragrance collection. Two years ago, I launched two eau de parfums: La F — a feminine, sensual, oriental woody scent — and Natal, a unisex Island Essence fragrance.
We even took the line international, with Belgian top model Cesar Casier as the face. His classic beauty suited the brand perfectly, but it was his passion and drive that inspired me. I involved him deeply in the creation process because if someone represents a fragrance, they must truly stand behind it.
The matcha fragrance is the first scent I’ve developed as a true collaboration. Each fragrance comes with its own signature packaging and color: Mountain Chic in black and gold, La F in a softer feminine palette, Natal Island Essence in sand with golden accents — and of course, matcha in green with gold. I believe it’s fair to say that Le Parfum de Nathalie has grown into a true home of luxurious fragrances. And of course this collab with Jill is a true match made in heaven.”
Q: Nathalie, you’re the fragrance specialist, and Jill, you’re the matcha expert. When creating a matcha candle together, what did that candle absolutely need to embody for you?
Jill Cnudde: “For us, it was crucial that the product be healthy — a truly clean candle. In fact, we were named Best Natural Wellness Brand 2025, which we’re incredibly proud of. To meet our clean-beauty standards, the candle had to be free of parabens and made with soy wax. That was non-negotiable for me. And of course, the matcha scent had to be distinct and beautifully present. We worked very hard on it, but we’ve created something truly special, and I’m so proud of it.”
Q: Nathalie, we know you’re famously perfectionistic. You mentioned the importance of matching colours and packaging. What else did this candle need to meet your standards?
Nathalie Baeten: “For me, crafting an exceptional fragrance was the absolute priority. That is the foundation — the starting point. Everything begins there. And it’s a collaboration, which to me means strengthening one another, aiming for the same goal, and elevating each other to a higher level. Above all, I hope that our clients will be just as enthusiastic as we are and that the candle gives them a moment of pure happiness. Our company has also been focusing strongly on sustainability, and I think Jill really gave me that extra push to integrate it fully into this candle.”
Q: Jill, your expertise lies mainly in juice cleanses, natural supplements, and matcha. How does this scented candle fit into your existing range?
Jill Cnudde: “For me, it was important to create a signature scent that naturally fits within our product universe. I believe it creates an entirely new customer experience — when you smell a fragrance and immediately associate it with a brand. That’s incredibly powerful. It strengthens your identity. So, I see this candle as the next step in our business — not only for our collection but also for our overall brand image. It’s a little extra that enriches the matcha moment.”
Q: Nathalie, do you think this matcha candle collaboration will continue?
Nathalie Baeten: “All I can say is that I’m truly proud of this collaboration. The first reactions have been extremely positive, very promising — and our first batch has already sold out. But above all, what matters most to me is giving people a wonderful, uplifting feeling. And perhaps this is the perfect Christmas gift. For me, it genuinely feels like the beginning of a beautiful partnership.”
Q: And Jill, how has this collaboration been for you?
Jill Cnudde: “It definitely tastes — and smells — like more. It’s a match'(a) made in heaven!”
Product Details
✓ Hand-poured scented candle
✓ 100% natural eco soy wax – European product
✓ Clean label (vegan & cruelty-free)
✓ Free from parabens
✓ Exclusive, custom-made fragrance
✓ Weight: 290 g
✓ Burning time: approx. 45 hours
✓ Vessel: glossy green with gold foil
✓ Fragrance: Sanctuary Silk
✓ Retail price: €89 incl. VAT
Fragrance Pyramid
Top: minty, milky, slightly green, grapefruit
Heart: musky, woody sandal, lactonic fruity
Base: woody sandal, patchouli, vetiver, ambery, vanillic
