The holidays are upon us, and if you’re anything like us, the spirit of gift-giving has you excited to support Black-owned businesses that bring creativity, culture, and care to every product. Enter Cali Meets NYC, a luxury fragrance brand that transforms love stories into unforgettable sensory experiences.
Founded by Melissa Jagessar, Cali Meets NYC is all about connections. Inspired by Melissa’s real-life love story, the brand bridges two iconic coasts, weaving the narrative of her California-New York romance into every zip-code-themed candle. Whether you’re shopping for an artsy friend, setting the mood for your own cozy nights, or hunting for that perfect host gift, this is a brand you’ll want to bookmark.
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The Story Behind Cali Meets NYC
Cali Meets NYC was born out of love—literally. Melissa, a Bay Area native, met her husband, a proud Queens resident, and their love story became the foundation of the brand. “This is a love letter through fragrance for both cities and some places in between,” Melissa shared with I Love Us. Each candle in the collection is named after a zip code that holds sentimental value, representing a chapter of their coast-to-coast journey.
What started as a pandemic passion in a one-bedroom apartment in Newark, NJ, quickly became a thriving business. “The concept started organically while I was brainstorming business names. Generic options felt flat until I had my ‘aha moment.’ Cali Meets NYC perfectly captured not just our brand, but our love story,” Melissa explains. “Everything just clicked, and ideas started to flow.”
Cali Meets NYC delivers nostalgia, emotion, and a piece of Melissa and her husband’s shared history.
What Sets Cali Meets NYC Apart
At Cali Meets NYC, every product is crafted with care and a commitment to quality. The candles are hand-poured using a luxurious coconut-soy wax blend, making them both sustainable and cruelty-free. “We prioritize environmentally responsible packaging solutions while maintaining our premium product presentation,” Melissa notes.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- 90% of the packaging is recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable.
- The remaining 10% of plastic packaging is made from recycled materials.
Melissa’s dedication to clean living extends to the products themselves. “Consumers should be mindful of harmful ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and Proposition 65-listed chemicals in home fragrances,” she advises. Cali Meets NYC products are free of these toxins, ensuring you can fill your home with luxurious scents without compromising your health.
The Zip Codes That Capture the Scent of Love
Each candle in the collection represents a special place in Melissa’s journey, blending nostalgia with a modern twist. The most popular fragrances include:
- 94952 Lavender + Ylang: A soothing blend perfect for winding down after a long day.
- 94612 Rose Amber + Sandalwood: The epitome of warm, sensual luxury.
- 11420 Bergamot + Leather: Bold and sophisticated, this scent captures the energy of Queens.
These 9.5oz candles, priced at $36, offer an impressive 65-hour burn time, ensuring that the memories last long after the wick has burned down. However, the Cali Meets NYC experience doesn’t stop there. The brand also offers:
- Custom Blended Reed Diffusers ($38): A stylish and long-lasting way to fill your space with signature scents.
- Room and Linen Sprays ($28): Perfect for a quick refresh.
A Sensory Journey Beyond Candles
For Melissa, the art of fragrance is deeply personal. A lifelong candle enthusiast with a collection that once exceeded 40 candles, she rediscovered her love of candle-making during the pandemic. This passion evolved into a mission to create fragrances that evoke emotions and transform spaces.
“Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity,” Melissa says. Cali Meets NYC reflects that philosophy, delivering eco-friendly, premium-quality products designed to bring a sense of peace and joy into everyday life.
Why Cali Meets NYC is Perfect for the Holidays
The holiday season is about creating memories with those we love most, and Cali Meets NYC offers the perfect way to set the scene. Imagine lighting the 94612 candle during your holiday dinner or gifting a loved one a reed diffuser to make their home feel just a little cozier this winter.
The thoughtful design and clean ingredients make these products gifts you can feel good about giving. Plus, they’re guaranteed conversation starters. (Who wouldn’t love to hear the story behind the zip-code candles?)
Holiday Shopping Made Easy with Black Friday Deals
If you’re ready to start shopping, Cali Meets NYC’s Black Friday sale is the perfect opportunity. From November 29 to December 2, enjoy 25% off sitewide. And for Cyber Monday, there’s an additional special: BOGO 50% off all reed diffusers.
Whether you’re stocking up on candles for yourself or crossing names off your gift list, this is the moment to treat yourself and others.
Supporting Black-Owned Businesses This Holiday Season
Shopping with Cali Meets NYC means you’re supporting a Black-owned business that is combining art, sustainability, and storytelling. Melissa’s journey from pandemic hobbyist to entrepreneur is inspiring, and her products reflect the care and passion she pours into her work.
Shop Cali Meets NYC here, and keep an eye out for even more incredible Black-owned gift ideas—we’re just getting started with our holiday shopping inspiration!
Cover photo: Support Black-Owned Businesses This Holiday Season with Cali Meets NYC / Credit: Cali Meets NYC
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