SPARTA, N.C. – A factory nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Sparta, North Carolina, is working overdrive to keep up with the demand for its Taylor Swift-inspired soaps. Sparta Candle Co. manufactures 1,000 bars every day. From the cucumber and honeydew “After Glow” scent to the sage and lavender “Reputation” fragrance, there’s an aroma for each of the singer’s 10 eras, and the smells reach homes across the U.S., Australia and Europe.
“People are just dying to get their hands on our soap,” says Jennifer Swenk, 31, CEO and creative mastermind behind the collection. “One of the things that I am most proud of is I really, really took the time to nail down the scents that I think really go with these eras and their essence.”
Swenk is part of a hidden “Taylor economy,” one that goes beyond her concert tickets, movie theater passes, album releases and shop/tour merchandise.
Swift officially earned the title of billionaire this month. But there are countless items linked to Taylor from which she doesn’t profit. These are the fan-themed cruise trips through the Bahamas, 175,292 items for sale in Etsy shops and counting, and mom-and-pop storefronts like the Gasp Happy Store in Orlando, Florida, selling “A lot going on at the moment” keychains and “Taylor Swift is my therapist” trucker hats.
There are Kansas City Chiefs-themed jerseys with the name SWIFT across the back and thousands of types of friendship bracelets. There’s even a reporter…
