Welcome to Episode Five in this latest series entitled Perseverance.

In May 2020, The Craft Council produced an extensive report on the Market For Craft (it is certainly worth a read). They reported on a new generation of craft makers and consumers - I couldn't agree more! A renewed respect for technique, the digital age and a desire for experience over transaction have all played their part in bringing craft and making back to the fore.

If you are looking for a masterclass in traditional craft, quiet understated excellence alongside a purity of purpose, aesthetic and style, you have come to the right place. Lola Lely and Yesenia Thibault-Picazo are the founders of Wax Atelier based in East London. They re-visit traditional techniques ranging from candle dipping and paper-making to crafted textiles using natural wax. This is a far cry from birthday candles on a Colin the Caterpillar cake, tea lights in jam jars and hastily collected candle stubs in a power cut. This is the magical majesty of the wax itself. They are quite the hit - they are currently working with Toast, Laura Jackson is a fan and they are stocked by a delightful list of considered and stylish stockists. Their star is most certainly on the rise.

I am going to find out more about how they met and the beginnings of the business, their approach to the making itself, the highs and the challenges, scaling and growing, new projects and their view on the key to perseverance.

I would suggest that you pop over to Toast and enjoy the video that Wax Atelier made with them earlier this year - it will leave you super keen to know more and with a lingering visual in your mind. Then you will enjoy this episode all the more.