Lighting the way from banker to boudoir

By Karen Tina Harrison | Special to amNewYork

April 16, 2007

Harry Slatkin with Sarah, The Duchess of York. (Handout Photo / April 15, 2007)

The Big Career Switch: From investment banker to candle mogul

Who Pulled It Off: Harry Slatkin, 46

What He Does: As president of Home Design for Limited Brands, Slatkin oversees home fragrance and accesssories for stores including Victoria's Secret, Henri Bendel, and Bath & Body Works.

What He Used to Do: Slatkin was a high-powered investment banker with Bear Stearns.

Why He Switched: "I was engaged to a fellow Wall Streeter, and we were both bored," says Slatkin. "It was the same routine every day. I wanted to do something different but didn't know what. My friend Vera Wang kept telling me to do something creative."

How He Did It: "My brother Howard, an interior designer, let me run this candle company he had started but was too busy to manage. Then I got really lucky, because another friend, the president of Saks, gave me my own Slatkin & Co. candle boutique in the store. Later, Limited Brands bought Slatkin & Co., and now I work with them."

What Candle Designers Do: "You have to sense the way people want to live and translate those feelings into scents and objects. Then you need to create consumer desire for your product."

How's the Money?: "Income is the biggest concern of anyone who starts a business, and it's usually slow going at first," says Slatkin. "But if you have a passion, you must believe in it and never give up. Then your dreams will come true."

What About Perks?: "When you design a product that makes people happy, you reap a lot of satisfaction," says Slatkin. "Candle designers are surrounded by beautiful fragrances and meet lovely, stylish people. I've collaborated with Elton John, and now I'm working with Sarah, Duchess of York (pictured). Our line of Bath & Body Works candles will debut on April 23rd."

Who Does This Job Best: "Success in product marketing is not luck," says Slatkin. "You must have a creative spirit, your own point of view, and a great nose. You need good business sense. But most of all, you need passion."

What Else You Should Know: "Sometimes you have to break the rules," says Slatkin. "When Princess Diana was my customer, I had to sneak my candles into Kensington Palace because they were American and taboo."

Where to Find Out More: www.bathandbodyworks.com