Penarth Nub News aims to support our community - promoting shops, businesses, artists, charities, clubs and sports groups.

So, whenever a new one arrives, we showcase it in a feature called "Nub News Introducing...".

Today, we bring you Apothecary64, Penarth's first fragrance shop

I'm not really one of those people who notices smells, apart from bad ones.

But when I walked into Cornerswell Road's newest shop, I was blown away by the gorgeous aroma of the place.

Apothecary64 is the town's first vendor of all things fragrant, and we have Craig Parker Trott's nose to thank for it.

"I've always had a passion for fragrances," he tells Nub News.

"I absolutely love them. They evoke memory, transport you to a place, remind you of a loved one - they're just so powerful."

Like many great businesses, the shop's origins stem from a disappointing customer experience.

"We were gifted a candle from a well-known retailer and were disappointed by its quality and lack of fragrance.

"So, I decided I would put my nose to good use and began testing and playing with fragrances.

"After a couple of months of developing, I had finally created a Christmas Candle 'Winter in Penarth' - that was two years ago."

Craig is married to Julian Parker-Trott.

Julian is the man behind Florist64 (I bet their house smells amazing), so Craig was able to sell his ever-growing collection of scented products alongside the flowers.

"People really liked them to the point where I just thought I should create my own brand for them.

"Last year in January, I took my redundancy to pursue my dream of creating home fragrances.

"Being something of an alchemist at this point, I decided on the name Apothecary64."

Craig launched a website and within months featured in a Sunday Times article titled 'Light up for life with these ethical candles', through which he developed a UK-wide customer base of socially responsible fragrance fiends.

All of his products are vegan and cruelty-free, meaning they are never tested on animals.

He chooses local suppliers where possible - Beacon Printers make the labels - and the packaging is FSC certified.

The online success has enabled Craig to move into the physical shop, which lays out 16 fragrances according to scent note groups - from woody and warm tones on one side to fruitier fragrances on the other.

Each customer will have their favourite. Mine is Penarth Pier - a sea salt and sage scent strangely reminiscent of the Esplanade.

Every fragrance comes in the form of six products: a diffuser, room spray, candle, car diffuser, diffuser refill and fragrance oil.

"It's a lot of work for one person, but it's a Labour of love.

"Ever since I was a kid, I've been obsessed by fragrances.

"With the Tuscany, for instance, I've always loved tomato vines because they remind me of my grandpa in his greenhouse, God rest his soul.

"Having a lovely fragrance in your home, particularly during lockdown, lets you create a nice atmosphere.

"None of them are that strong. A fragrance should be an accent, a background - present but not overpowering"

Before reluctantly leaving, I ask Craig how I should refer to the shop in the article. Is there a name for what Apothecary64 provides?

"It's my little box of delights. A little Aladdin's cave of fragrances."

Apothecary64 will open on 7 Cornerswell Road as soon as restrictions on non-essential shops are lifted.

Until then, why not have a browse of the website?