1) Tell us a little bit about your label (art) and what you do?
Since 2012 when Maison Blanche was formed, I have created hand-poured Soy Wax candles in which I’m incredibly proud of and passionate about.
I believe that the burning experience is everything; a candle that looks and smells nice isn’t worth anything if it doesn’t burn correctly. That’s why every candle is meticulously handmade from the highest quality 100% pure Soy Wax, with no nasty additives to change the colour or hardness of the wax. I insist on using lead and toxin free cotton wicks to ensure a safe burn, and have selected the best fragrance oils to complete every Maison Blanche candle.
I want every Maison Blanche candle to be more than just an ordinary candle on the shelf. I want it to be a feature in your home, to evoke a memory with its fragrance or be a trigger to relax and take some time out for yourself.
2) How did get into your type of work?
I really love candles. It’s as simple as that. At nighttime I would turn my lights off and burn dozens candles scattered over the bookshelves in my home. I started to notice that the candles I were using were either burning uneven or producing soot that would stain the wall and books around it. So I looked into making my own candles, ones that were high quality, and not toxic. Once I had the right formula, I started making them for friends and family.
3) What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
After school I was working as an actress, and moonlighting as a telemarketer (I’m sorry). After travelling, I landed a job in the offices of LUSH cosmetics, it was a crazy place, but it was where I started to take a real interest in good quality scent and the effects it has on people, so I’m grateful for that.
4) Describe the best reactions you’ve had on work?
I’m really grateful for all the compliments and reactions I’ve received from the candle fanatics out there, but one of my favourite was from the last time I was in Makery. There was another maker moving his artwork in, and he told me that his Fiancé had bought my Strawberries + Champagne candle, and now wants to have them burning at their wedding!
5) One thing you can’t live without?
My cat, Mr President.
6) Aside from coffee, what gets you up in the morning?
My cat, he screams for food every morning at exactly 5.43am. I love him dearly, but I have strong thoughts about smothering him too.
7) How would your best friend describe you in 3 words?
Game. Of. Thrones.
8) What’s the next awesome skill you want to learn?
I really want to learn how to do traditional henna.
9) Ignoring money and rules what would your dream project/artwork be?
I would want to travel to world and make bespoke candles for people. Get to know them, learn about who they are, what they like and what their dreams are and create the perfect unique fragrance for them to burn in their home. Scent is a really personal and powerful medium; one smell can take you back to your childhood, your wedding or remind you of your first love, imagine how nice it would be to have a fragrance, with all these memories layered, unique to your story.
10) Favourite place to chill in Sydney?
Probably Coco Cubano on Oxford Street with a valentino rose hot chocolate and people watching. Once I played a game of Uno there that lasted hours. The dream.
11) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Don’t fuck with people that have bad pictures of you. -Mum
12) What advice would you give to new, aspiring Makers?
If you aren’t 100% happy with what it is you’ve created, it will eventually eat you up.
Do not put your name to something that you aren’t completely proud of. I did that when I first started out, and yes I was earning money, but that one tiny little discrepancy in my product kept me awake at night and slowly sucked my passion for what I did. Once I modified it and really for the first time in my life felt proud of something I made, it changed the game.
13) And most importantly, what would your ultimate karaoke song be?
XP€N$IV $H1T by DIE ANTWOORD. Could you just imagine?
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