“Then I was asked what I could team up with the flowers to make the gift exceptional. I love home body and bath beauty products, so I began tucking upmarket branded ones into the box, and slowly I thought … why not create my own brand of luxe treats? I can do candles, hand wash, lotion, body butters …” She investigated local laboratories and factories, not easy during Covid, nor because she only needed small quantities. She drew up a business plan, and spent a great deal of time researching different fragrances until she settled on the ones she loved. “It just made sense to pair flowers with scents, and I loved the synergy of it.” Lemongrass, neroli, rose geranium, lavender, lemon verbena – she even has a local
It just made sense to pair flowers with scents, and I loved the synergy of it” ceramicist who makes her fragrance burners and candle holders. Kay says, “I’m a big believer in goals – small, achievable ones that you work towards. I didn’t know how this would all pan out, but I had the courage to try. That’s enough for me.” She found a small lab prepared to produce small batches, and began with two ranges organically focused – one an essential oil range, the other fragrance based. She chose what she describes as a little brown Parisienne apothecary styled bottle, and the show was on the road. Kay’s brand name is LeLaPa, “family” in Tswana, largely in memory of her grandparents and the key roles they played in her life. Her logo is of an oak tree with the branches representing family: “My brands are always built around an ethos of nature. Family roots you, grounds you, they’re your safe haven, and reminds you where you come from.” » FOR MORE INFO Kay’s products are produced under the Oak Celebrations banner: www.oakcelebrations.com
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