About

khhaish (pronounced "khai-eesh") is a woman and minority-owned candle brand specializing in eco-friendly candles that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are intentional. The name is a stylized spelling of the Urdu word khwaish or khwahish, meaning “desire” or “wish” or "longing." With roots in Urdu and Persian, khhaish evokes a poetic 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 creates mood, shapes atmosphere, and evokes memory. 

Fragrance holds the quiet power to shape a space and ground a moment. With each khhaish candle, we invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and let scent guide you toward clarity, aspirations, or something entirely unexpected. Our fragrances are long-lasting and nuanced, designed to settle effortlessly into your lifestyle with ease.

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 became a search for balance between beauty and insight, design and well-being. Living in an older building with poor ventilation and sensitivity to intrusive smells, Hadia sought a way to make her space feel clean, comforting, and truly her own. From simmering homemade potpourri to cracked windows on chilly days, she experimented until she found something better.

khhaish was born from that pursuit. A soy-wax candle line built on curiosity, heart, and intention and designed to inspire you to pursue every dream and goal. 

Each candle is eco-conscious, non-toxic, and made to leave a lasting impression. At khhaish, we see scent not just as fragrance but as a subtle force that transforms 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 the future.