Scent & Stories: The First Bloom

An intimate Southern Gothic themed Mixer- Meet new people- evening of books, fragrance, author reading, bloom bar, and candlelit connection

Scent & Stories: The First Bloom
Sunday, May 3rd | 6–9 PM
Elaine's Literary Saloon | Alexandria, VA

Hemlock & Hearth is an Alexandria-based small-batch fragrance studio rooted in storytelling, Southern Gothic atmosphere, and the ritual of scent. Facilitated in Patnership with Virigina Scent Society.

About the Event

Scent & Stories is Hemlock & Hearth's new quarterly literary salon — part mixer, part sensory experience. The First Bloom is the debut edition, bringing together fragrance lovers, readers, and creatives for an evening of author readings, scent exploration, and good conversation.

6:00–7:00 PM — Arrival & Exploration
• Optional Fragrance Decant & Sample Swap (more below)
• Spring Bloom Bar
• Sample and shop the Hemlock & Hearth fragrance collection
• Browse the Long Dark House bookstore pop-up • Private tarot readings by SkyMirandaTarot
• Order drinks or dinner from Elaine's

7:00–8:00 PM — Author Readings & Presentation
• BC Moone — With You in Spirit
• Sara Crocoll Smith — Southern Gothic Folklore & Fragrance (hopefulhorror.com)
• S. Preston — Blood Alluvium/Poetry Excercise (SPrestonDuncan.com)

8:00–9:00 PM — Open Salon & Signings
Meet the authors, get books signed, keep shopping, and socialize. Tarot readings available for purchase from SkyMirandaTarot.

What Your Ticket Includes

• Reserved access to an intimate evening of live indie author readings, presentations, and signings featuring three authors
• Access to the Hemlock & Hearth fragrance pop-up, Long Dark House indie bookstore pop-up, and optional Fragrance Decant & Sample Swap
• One complimentary Hemlock & Hearth 2 oz body oil or votive candle (while supplies last)
• Complimentary light bites (while supplies last); full dinner and drinks available for purchase through Elaine's
• One raffle ticket for a chance to win a book & candle gift set

Add-Ons Available at the Event:
• Spring Bloom Bar
• Private tarot readings by SkyMirandaTarot

More about the Decant Swap

Leave your full sizes at home! Bring samples, travel sizes, or decants you're willing to part with and swap them with other fragrance lovers in the room — just like our larger community swaps. It's a great way to discover something new and make a connection. Participation is completely optional

More than an event, Scent & Stories is a social gathering — an opportunity to meet new people, support small businesses, celebrate indie books and fragrance, and experience spring in conversation with story.

Candlelight.
Dark florals.
Pages turning softly.

Done in partnership with Virginia Scent Society

Virginia Scent Society is a growing community of fragrance lovers across the Commonwealth, bringing people together through curated events and shared discovery. From fragrance swaps and custom blending workshops to elevated social experiences, VSS creates intentional spaces for connection and exploration in the world of scent.

Join the community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/virginiascentsociety

Explore upcoming events: https://lu.ma/virginiascentsociety