Ep 8: Smells Like Star Wars Fandom: Small Business & Bookish Joy with Melissa (NerfHerderCo)
There’s a special space in fandom that happens when passion meets creativity. For decades, Star Wars has captured our imaginations through massive space battles, political intrigue, unforgettable droids, and deeply moving orchestrations. We wear the t-shirts, we collect the figures, and we debate the lore. But have you ever wondered what a galaxy far, far away actually smells like?
In the latest episode of Culture Coven, host Leah kicked off a special two-part space opera celebration by sitting down with Melissa, the brilliant creator and founder behind NerfHerderCo. Melissa has mastered the art of fandom sensory experiences, crafting incredible Star Wars and book-inspired candles, wax melts, perfumes, and room sprays that bring our favorite fictional worlds directly into our living rooms.
Celebrating the Joy of Star Wars
The internet can occasionally be a loud, cynical place when it comes to massive franchises. That’s why Leah and Melissa’s conversation felt like a breath of fresh, crisp outer-rim air. Instead of tearing things down, this episode was a pure, unadulterated celebration of why George Lucas’s universe continues to capture hearts of all ages.
Whether you’re in it for the tactical space politics, the practical magic of puppets, or the emotional character arcs, Star Wars truly has something for everyone. Melissa shared what it’s like to rewatch the saga through fresh eyes, the unmatched thrill of introducing the films to someone who has never seen them before, and how those cinematic moments inspire the unique scent profiles she creates for her shop.
The Realities of Fandom Small Businesses
Running a business fueled entirely by passion is a dream, but it’s also a masterclass in hard work. Melissa opened up about the creative and technical process behind NerfHerderCo. From translating abstract concepts like "a cozy galactic cantina" or "a dynamic lightsaber duel" into balanced, evocative aromas to managing the day-to-day hustle of an indie shop, she gave listeners an authentic look behind the curtain. It’s a beautiful reminder of how fandom can empower us to build our own communities and chart our own professional paths.
A Unhinged Outro: Book Clubs & Pop Royalty
True to Culture Coven fashion, Leah couldn’t let the episode wrap without a few passionate tangents. Stick around for the post-interview outro, where she gives a highly anticipated update on the upcoming Star Wars Book Club reading picks.
And finally, proving that we are all essentially teenage girls at heart, Leah goes into a deeply emotional, completely unhinged breakdown of Olivia Rodrigo’s brand-new album release. From devastating piano ballads to high-energy pop anthems, Leah unpacks why it’s her favorite body of work yet.
Where to find NerfHerderCO
You visit Melissa:
