One day last January, I was scrolling through TikTok when my For You page suddenly filled with videos of strawberry shortcakes, pancakes, and cherry pies. I was smitten. The idea seemed so cool and fun that I had to have one. I rushed to my local Urban Outfitters and searched everywhere—nothing. Each time I visited the mall, I’d look and wait patiently, but still found nothing.

Strawberry Shortcake Urban Outfitters candle.

Next thing you know, it is late February, and still nothing. I had all my friends keeping an eye out for any food-related candle, but they had seen none. While soaking in defeat, I was creating my birthday wishlist since my birthday was coming up next month. The first thing I put on my list was the strawberry shortcake candle.

A month has gone by, and I am finally celebrating my birthday with my family. I started opening my sister’s gift when I felt something heavy, wrapped, in the bag. I froze. I was in shock. I finally got myself together and opened the wrapping. It was it. The strawberry shortcake candle I have been searching for months. 

I immediately open the candle and take a big whiff of it. The sweet, warm, nostalgic smell that reminds me of my Strawberry Shortcake doll from when I was a kid hit my face. I was ecstatic. I immediately grabbed my sister and hugged her tight. 

Although I love my candle almost as much as my sister, I always think of her when I look at it.