The Rise of Incense


This article originally appeared in The New York Times, on

As the pandemic approached its peak, so did sales of the aromatic material.

By Sydney Gore

Hyungi Park, a Los Angeles-based artist, began learning how to make incense six years ago. She admits that incense isn’t necessarily the most eco-friendly option, compared with candles or essential oils, but thinks that it’s “definitely more for the mood.” The different functions of incense and the history behind it makes it special to her, especially because it is tied to religious ceremonies. “Incense feels more intentional,” said Ms. Park.

Ms. Park, 25, now sells small batches of handmade incense products through her studio Baboshop. She has seen a 142 percent increase in sales from April through September of this year, based on the same time period last year. The studio’s third most popular item is a $45 incense making kit used for the online workshops that she has been leading on how to make your own.

 

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