Herbs N’ Harlem founder had to slow down to scale up; now she’s meditating on expansion

Ma’Ryah Jennings’ one-day pop-up at Zona Rosa was so popular she netted $750 and nearly sold out of her hand-poured candles.

That was in 2023. She has since grown a passionate following by hosting regular pop-ups and through online sales, as well as by selling to specialty stores across the metro under her Herbs N’ Harlem brand. 

Because most of Jennings’ clients are in the Northland and the Crossroads Arts District, she wanted to build on that market while also seeing how customers would respond to a storefront venue with regular hours. 

Herbs N’ Harlem’s shop at 7311 N.W. 86th Terrace at Zona Rosa; photo by Joyce Smith

Herbs N’ Harlem opened as a 10-month Zona Rosa shop at 7311 N.W. 86th Terrace in April. It will run through January and Jennings has an option to renew it, she said.

“The cool thing about starting online first is our reviews grew,” Jennings explained. “Then people feel confident to buy it online to try it and even drive a ways to see me, which also is a plus.”

Her candles are made of 100% soy wax with phthalate-free fragrances and essential oils, eco-friendly wicks in reusable jars with bamboo lids.

“I focus on clean products. Safe for your babies, your pets and yourself,” she said. ”Everything is recyclable, and here in the storefront I will offer refills and just focus on making a sustainable product.”

The 610-square-foot shop is next to Ann Taylor’s Loft with the same black awning and blue facade. So some Loft customers accidentally walk into Herbs N’ Harlem — and end up becoming customers. 

Jennings also draws a crowd when she makes candles in her new showroom. She hopes to soon offer classes.

BluBerry Brulee soy wax candles for sale at Herbs N’ Harlem; photo by Joyce Smith

An entrepreneur since 2018, Jennings first founded MHLF for makeup, hair, lashes and facials. It was a thriving enterprise until her heartbreaking journey to becoming a mom. 

She had a miscarriage, she said, then lost a son who was born premature, before welcoming Quincy Harlem in March 2020. Health issues plagued her son.

“The world was chaotic then (during COVID) but as a mother it slowed down for me and it was beautiful for me to be so present,” she said.

During a meditation, she came up with the name Herbs N’ Harlem, and registered it as an LLC with the idea of doing a business around it one day that she could pass on to Quincy.

“I had so much sorrow. I was so sad. Creativity was my outlet,” Jennings said. “I want people to know: the worst thing you can think of, you can make it through. You are capable of moving on from loss. To get up and keep going. I promise.”

That creativity led to Jennings making salt jars — blending essential oils with Himalayan salt and rose petals — mostly as a hobby, something that “brought me zen,” she said.

Her MHLF clients wanted to buy them. Then Jennings started selling her candles online at Shopify.

Soon she was realigning her goals — shutting down MHLF a couple of years ago to focus on her growing family and expanding the Herbs N’ Harlem line. 

“With MHLF, I was booked a month in advance. I taught classes. But I retired my teasers, and went full-time with candles,” Jennings said. “It allows me to be more present in motherhood.” 

Herbs N’ Harlem products on display at the Zona Rosa storefront; photo by Joyce Smith

She has more than 60 different scents, some with up to seven blends. She experiments but often uses her memories and experiences as inspiration, and she only makes them when she is in a positive mood.

The Harlem Speakeasy has scents of leather, oak, vanilla, whiskey and Palo Santo (inspired by live music at the Green Lady Lounge in the Crossroads). 

After Dark is described as smoky, smooth and sophisticated. It has notes of tonka beans, smoked oud, amaretto and rum.

A chocolate chip cookie scent is based on a favorite Brown Suga* cookie. Brown Suga* often sets up pop-ups at the same events as Herbs N’ Harlem.

Jennings’ newest line is called Pool Party, with scents of kiwi, pineapple, starfruit and papaya with the promotion: “Think sunshine on your skin, your favorite playlist on blast, and not a single worry in sight.”

Soon she’ll have No Fly Zone with citronella, lemongrass and basil that can be used outside to repeal insects.

She also makes such custom candles as a cranberry and peach prosecco for a corporate event in the Power & Light District, and an English lavender, frankincense and myrrh, and lemon for a baby shower. Attendees will remember that event when they smell the scent.

Candles not only need to smell and look good, she emphasized; they need to perform — no tunneling, no wasted wax.

On social media (and cards included with a purchase) Jennings offers tips, such as clipping your candle wick before burn to prevent black smoke, heavy soot and tunneling, and to also extend the life of the candle.

“There is a lot of math and science behind candle making,” she said.

Brunch on Sundaze soy wax candles for sale at Herbs N’ Harlem; photo by Joyce Smith

Jennings also sells room sprays, wax melts, and wood and cotton wicks. She plans to add carpet fresheners later this month (she calls them carpet seasoning), and will later roll out diffusers, and other products.

“I’ve had high requests for perfume oils,” Jennings said. 

She will call that line Jean’e Parfum after her daughter, Nova Jean’e, born premature in January 2022. She will pass that business on to Jean’e.

Jennings’ products also are sold in nine Made in KC stores, and The Third Planet in Lawrence, which also has a Herbs N’ Harlem custom room spray and candle scent. 

Online customers can get help selecting fragrances through a quiz including: 

• How do you prefer your scent? With a choice of: Moderate & Balance. Light & Subtle. Strong & Bold.
• What do you want your candle to do for you? Relax & Unwind. Create a Cozy Ambiance. Set a Romantic Mood. Energize & Focus.

She feels supported at Zona Rosa, which has several other locally-owned women’s stores and pop-ups, and she sees making it her main hub. This past weekend its annual Festa Italiana brought in large crowds. Jennings also had four pop-up events around town.

rOOTS KC, a locally owned tropical plant shop, had a three-year pop-up in the Northland center before closing March 28. Foot traffic was significantly lower than at its locations in River Market and the Westside, the owner said. So she plans to concentrate her efforts on those locations. 

Zona Rosa officials have not responded. 

Jennings also is considering her options.

She plans to sign a three-year lease in the new Historic Northeast Public Market, under development Independence Avenue and Hardesty Avenue, with plans to open in 2028.

The redevelopment is in part of the former Hardesty Federal Complex and will have affordable housing, family services, and the 30,000-square-feet of community public market space, prioritizing locally owned vendors.

Herbs N’ Harlem’s hours run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.