While making her own fragrances by layering existing perfumes and essential oils, Fairfield resident Beth Maloney realized she was already on the path she was looking for. With a clear white space in the market, Beth knew she could create a clean fragrance brand that was elevated and impactful. "The concept for Summer Hours came directly from the scent notes that resonated with me the most — lemon, fig, peony, neroli, honeysuckle, rose, green wood. They're all at their peak in the summer," notes Beth. After partnering with a prominent independent perfumer, all the hard work began to take root - working on a business plan, creating a brand identity, and developing scents - Summer Hours launched in July of 2021. Formulated with high-quality ingredients that are botanically derived or safely synthesized, Summer Hours is free from harmful chemicals, including parabens, phthalates, allergens, and dyes, and is also vegan and cruelty-free.
The exquisite product line started with four incredibly chic eau de parfums, 80°, Le Week End, Romanesque, and New Wave, available in a Discovery Set, Stowaway size, and Classic size. Candles soon followed. Introduced last year, Summer Hours' signature scents are blended with organic wax and poured into beautiful colored glass tumblers handmade in Mexico. The website also offers a curated selection of jewelry and trays from indie designers. Everything reflects the values and viewpoint of the brand. That viewpoint is baked into the brand's identity. Beth explains, "Summer Hours espouses a life that is lived in the sunshine. One filled with ease and laughter, travel and adventure, design and music. We try to express all these ideas through a compelling aesthetic — one that is simple, cool, colorful, and artful — at every touchpoint of the brand." On that note, you can even download playlists ablaze with an eclectic, modern mix that captures the same seaside sophistication as the rest of the brand.
And yes, the local beaches certainly coincide with Summer Hours' ethos of living in the sunshine and have also influenced the brand. "So many of the scent notes found in our perfumes and candles can be smelled when walking around the beach area in the summer," Beth conveys.
Another source of inspiration is the community Beth surrounds herself with. She knew Fairfield would be a great place not only to raise her family but also to start a small business. "When I've needed help, I've found it amongst my talented local friends. Alexis Donovan, Kristen Morison, Kristie Kistner, Andrea Espach, and Liz Joy have all contributed significantly to the brand. Other local friends have been really supportive by sharing business insights or by becoming customers."
Although Summer Hours is just getting started, the trajectory of success is shining bright. "I'm really excited about the future of the business. We want to continue to surprise and delight our customers,” says Beth. The tastemakers of the world, including Vogue and Goop, have already taken note, and the line can be found in specialty retailers across the country, along with Four Seasons Resorts and Auberge Resorts. So, this season, it's easy to chase away the winter blues with a spritz of sunshine from Summer Hours.
Visit summer-hours.com and follow @summer_hours_ on Instagram.
Summer Hours espouses a life that is lived in the sunshine. One filled with ease and laughter, travel and adventure, design and music.
I'm really excited about the future of the business. We want to continue to surprise and delight our customers.