About

khhaish (pronounced "khai-eesh") is a woman and minority-owned candle brand creating small batch and eco-friendly candles that embody beauty, intention, and purpose at their core. The name is a stylized spelling of the Urdu word khwaish or khwahish, meaning “desire,” “wish,” or "longing." With roots in Urdu and Persian, khhaish evokes a sense of yearning for something beyond reach, reflecting our mission to inspire others to turn their desires into reality — through the power of scent.

At khhaish, we believe scent is transformative. It curates atmosphere, sets mood, and stirs memory. 

Fragrance holds a quiet power to shape space and ground a moment. With each khhaish candle, we invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and let our scents guide you toward clarity, aspirations, or something entirely unexpected. Our fragrances are long-lasting and nuanced, designed to enhance your lifestyle and every moment. 

khhaish was founded by Hadia Shaikh, a woman and minority entrepreneur, during a season of personal transformation in 2020. 

What began in a small studio apartment in Chicago’s Gold Coast grew into a search for balance — between beauty and insight, design and well-being. Living in an older building with poor ventilation and a heightened sensitivity to intrusive smells, Hadia sought ways to make her space feel clean, comforting, and truly her own. From simmering homemade potpourri to cracking windows on cold winter days, she experimented until she discovered something better — and worth sharing with others.

khhaish grew out of that experience — a soy-wax candle line built with curiosity, heart, and intention, created to inspire you to follow your own dreams and goals confidently.

Each candle is eco-conscious, non-toxic, and made to leave a lasting impression. Scent is not just a fragrance but a subtle force that shapes how we feel and move through the world. From the first light to the final burn, our candles offer more than ambiance. They offer presence… and a strong yet gentle sense of hope.