We were lucky to catch up with Katie Alvarez recently and have shared our conversation below.

Katie, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am a self-taught candle maker. There is not much information or instruction for working with beeswax, which can be a tricky medium. Beeswax is a natural product. Therefore, each batch differs depending on the pollen and floral sources collected by the bees. Some batches go easier than others as far as texture and composition. The color will also fluctuate depending on the batch.

One of the most essential skills to learn with candle making is patience. Nothing can be rushed, or the outcome will not be favorable. As a result, in my opinion there was nothing that I could have done to speed up my learning process. Everything has unfolded the way it’s supposed to. This is my creative journey, and I am learning more and more about how to fine-tune my craft along the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Appalachian Wax Works is a small-batch producer of natural products infused with the healing energy of the hive. Started in 2019 as a small-scale beekeeping operation, working with beeswax became a passion for me.

Inspired by the bees and the renewable and beneficial by-products they generate, I launched a business based on simple principles of sustainability, artisanal quality, and the joy of offering elevated natural hive goods for home and personal use. From beeswax candles to raw honey, all products are hand crafted and finished with care in the mountains of Western Maryland.

I am a rural arts entrepreneur and independent artisan who currently sells pure beeswax candles that are structural in unique shapes like bee skeps, owls and a ball of yarn. I also sell taper candles in different styles and colors. I offer scented container candles using a beeswax blend. These containers are typically ceramic or glass and are often offered in collaboration with other local and/or regional artists, like handcrafted ceramics artists or fine artists who add their own artistic elements to the vessels. My product line-up also includes body care products that are infused with honey, beeswax and/or propolis. These include handcrafted soap, body butter, hand salve and lip balm. In addition, I also sell my local, raw honey.

One thing that makes my business unique is that I am the beekeeper and maker. My process includes harvesting my own beeswax, then rendering it and crafting the products by hand. I extract my own honey. All candles are hand poured and finished with care. It is a process that is inspired by the bees themselves and I take great pride in bringing the material from raw form to finished product. Beeswax candle making is an ancient practice and my concept is to modernize and elevate it a bit by putting my own spin on the craft. My style continues to evolve, but more focus is being directed toward using sustainable packaging, materials and processes in an effort to minimize my carbon footprint.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a maker is the personal fulfillment it brings to my life. For creatives, filling that need is very important. It’s been an amazing journey to see where this business is headed and how far I can take it. It is a continuous challenge that has allowed me to grow and learn.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

One of the missions driving my creative journey is to produce beautiful natural hive products in a sustainable way. Sometimes the actual process of harvesting/rendering wax and candle making can create waste. I am always striving to do better with regard to operating in a more sustainable and mindful way from actual creation of the products to the packaging and presentation as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: appalachianwaxworks.com
• Instagram: @appalachianwaxworks