Words by- Josephine Agbonkhese

Driven by an unfettered determination to transform homes around the world into sanctuaries that evoke memory, comfort, and authenticity through scents, Chiazor Onyebadi, fondly known as Zora Manuel, needs almost no introduction.

The Founder of ZM Candles and Scent, an indigenous home fragrance brand that’s redefining emotional wellness and cultural resonance through the art of scent, her work is a celebration of creativity, care, and connection.

With a background in psychology, interior design, and business training from both the Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre and the Lagos Business School, Zora has channeled her passion for creating serene, inspiring spaces into a successful brand that crafts hand-poured candles, diffusers, room sprays, and signature scents.

Today in Allure, we explore her journey, the power of fragrance, and her mission to transform homes globally into sanctuaries with scents.

What inspired your journey into creating home scents?
I’ve always believed that scent is one of the most powerful storytellers of our lives. A single fragrance can take you back to a childhood memory, remind you of someone you love, or instantly make a space feel comforting. My journey started from a deep passion for creating environments that feel like home—serene, inviting, and beautiful. What began as experimenting with candles and oils quickly grew into a full expression of who I am. Turning that passion into a business wasn’t easy, but it was driven by purpose. I invested time in understanding the science of scent, sourcing the best premium oils, and perfecting my craft. With consistency, word of mouth, and an unwavering commitment to quality, ZM Candles and Scent was born not just as a business, but as a brand that prioritises wellness and helps people transform their homes into sanctuaries.

What role do scents play in shaping the atmosphere of a home or influencing someone’s mood?
Scent is like an invisible signature of a home. I believe it sets the tone before words are even spoken. The right fragrance can lift your spirit after a long day, calm your nerves, or create warmth when you’re hosting loved ones.
Scientifically, scent is closely tied to memory and emotion, which is why it is so powerful. For me, it’s more than just making a space smell nice, it is about creating feelings and steering emotions. With a reed diffuser in the corner, a candle flickering at night, those small details shift the energy of a home. That is why I often say our products are not just scents, they are an experience, they help people create the kind of atmosphere they want to live in and be remembered for.

So, what’s the difference between candles, reed diffusers, and room sprays, and when would you recommend each?
Oh, I love to answer this question all the time. Each product has its own personality and purpose. Candles are for creating atmosphere. They bring both fragrance and visual warmth that feels intimate; and are perfect for evenings, self-care rituals, or dinner settings.
Reed diffusers are more subtle; they work continuously in the background, giving a space a consistent, effortless signature scent without needing attention.
Room sprays, on the other hand, are instant mood changers. One spritz can refresh a space in seconds. They are wonderful for quick pick me ups, for fabrics, or just before guests arrive. I usually tell people to think of it as layers: candles for mood, diffusers for constancy, and sprays for immediacy.

What are your favourite fragrance families and how do you decide which ones suit different home environments?
I love citrusy, gourmand, woody and floral blends, they each tell different stories. Take for instance, woody notes like cedarwood or vetiver. They give a grounding, sophisticated feel, making them perfect for living rooms or offices. Florals, especially soft ones, bring freshness and lightness, and are ideal for bedrooms or spaces where you want calm. Oriental and gourmand scents, like vanilla, amber, or tonka create warmth and intimacy; so they are beautiful in dining areas or cozy corners. When choosing for different homes, I always consider the personality and lifestyle of user. A minimalist home may suit clean, airy scents, while a more eclectic space could carry bolder, richer fragrances. It is about aligning the scent to both the environment and the people living in it.

What do you enjoy most about creating a scented ambiance for others?
What I enjoy most is seeing transformation; walking into a space that suddenly feels alive because of scents. I’ve heard people say their homes feel more welcoming and is always complimented by guests after introducing diffusers. For me, it’s rewarding to know I’ve contributed to that invisible touch that makes a house feel like a true home. Beyond the products, it is about connection— I get to listen to people’s stories, their memories, and even their struggles, and then help them choose fragrances that bring them comfort and joy. That is the heart of it for me; creating more than ambiance, creating emotional well-being.

Where do you find inspiration for your scents?
My inspiration comes from life moments— memories, travels, and even conversations. I believe, as Chimamanda Adichie said in her book ‘Dear Ijeawele’, that our experiences shape us in ways we sometimes overlook. For me, scents capture those experiences. My inspiration also comes from people; the desire to help someone feel calm, confident, or comforted in their space. Every scent I design begins as a story, and I translate that story into fragrance.

What role do natural versus synthetic ingredients play in home fragrance products, and how do you choose between them?
Both natural and synthetic ingredients have their place in perfumery. Naturals bring depth, richness, and authenticity— think lavender, sandalwood, or citrus oils.
Synthetics, on the other hand, allows you to capture notes that may not exist naturally or to ensure stability and consistency in a fragrance. For me, it is about harmony. I choose based on safety, sustainability, and the final experience I want to deliver.
My Dad taught me that balance and integrity should matter in every choice I make. That is exactly how I approach life as well as source my ingredients; ensuring responsibility to both my craft and my consumers.

Eco-consciousness is a hot topic in lifestyle products right now. How do you ensure your scents are environmentally friendly and ethically produced?
Sustainability isn’t just a trend, it is a responsibility. At ZM Candles and Scent, we prioritise recyclable packaging, clean-burning wax, and ethically sourced premium oils. I am intentional about reducing waste, working with local artisans, and choosing vendors who align with fair and safe practices. Sustainability also means creating products that last. A typical ZM 500ml diffuser scents a space for months, while the candle burns cleanly to the very end. For me, it ties back to the values my parents instilled in me, with the consciousness of not depleting nature’s balance, and the lessons from Ijeawele: raising our work and our children with consciousness, integrity, and respect for the future. That is the legacy I want my brand to carry.

What are some emerging trends in home scents that excite you?
I am excited by the shift towards personalisation. People no longer want generic fragrances; they want scents that feel like an extension of their identity and their personality. Another trend I love is functional fragrance; that is, scents designed not only to smell good but to support moods— like calming blends for sleep or energising ones for focus. There is also a growing demand for sustainable and clean formulations, which aligns with my own values. For me, these trends mirror the spirit of the ZM brand, encouraging authenticity, self-expression, resilience and conscious choices in how we live.

What do you love to do when not making scents?
When I’m not creating, I’m fully immersed in being a mum, a wife, and simply a woman rediscovering herself. I love to read books like the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and Dear Ijeawele which continues to shape my perspective on life and womanhood. Cooking also brings me joy; it is another form of bonding for my kids and I.
And honestly, I cherish quiet moments, gratitude journaling, taking walks, or simply being present with my children. Those moments refill me. So, when I return to my work, I create from a place of wholeness and gratitude.

What social causes are you currently passionate about and why?
I am passionate about women empowerment and education. I also care deeply about mental health awareness, because scent and ambiance play such a subtle yet powerful role in creating peace for people who are struggling. Through my work and my personal voice, I want to keep advocating for women and for well-being.

Whose influence has shaped your life the most since childhood?
My mother’s influence is the foundation of who I am. She taught me resilience, the value of hard work, and the grace of kindness. Watching her navigate life with quiet strength from being a nurse to a teacher gave me a model for womanhood that I still lean on today. Beyond her, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s words in Dear Ijeawele have also shaped my adult journey — reminding me that authenticity, courage, and truth-telling are not optional but essential. These influences keep me grounded as a woman, a mother, and an entrepreneur.

Tell us a little about your childhood and where you grew up…

I grew up in Onitsha, Omagba to be precise, as the second child and first daughter of my parents. That role shaped me early. Childhood was filled with both responsibilities and joys. I remember the vibrant scents of home from spices in the kitchen to the earth after rainfall. Those memories still influence my creative direction today. Growing up in a Catholic home taught me discipline and the importance of carrying my identity with pride. Having my product names in our native languages in Nigeria is a reminder that our roots are not limitations but strengths, and I see that truth in my own story.

Your most memorable moment?
It’s always walking into a space and realising something I created has become part of people’s sanctuary. It brings me to tears.
Another memorable moment would be the birth of my children— nothing compares to the love and perspective that motherhood gives. Both moments reflect different sides of me: the creator and the nurturer.

Where would you go to over and over again for a holiday?
For me, the beach will always be my place of peace. The sound of waves and the calmness of wide open space give me clarity and renewal. It is where I can pause, dream, and reconnect with myself. In many ways, the ocean mirrors the totality of ZM; vast, free, and unapologetically authentic.

Describe your style in one or two sentences…
My style is elegant minimalism with a touch of boldness. I love simplicity, but I’m not afraid to add a statement piece that reflects my confidence. Just like my scents, my style balances grace and presence, always guided by authenticity.

Finally, what advice would you give to anyone aspiring to build a career in scent-making?
My advice would be to start with passion, but root it in knowledge. Learn the craft, study fragrance families, and don’t be afraid to experiment. This industry requires patience and consistency because a scent isn’t just created; it is nurtured into existence. Build with integrity, choose quality over shortcuts, and let your work carry your personal story. And as my dad would always remind me, embrace your uniqueness; the world doesn’t need another copy.