3 minute read
Meet the maker – CONCRETE & WAX
PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
We catch up with the couple from CONCRETE & WAX who combined their love for two very different materials into a handmade homeware business
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Concrete & Wax is far away from the careers you both left behind – tell us about yourselves?
We’re married design duo Alex Sommer and Laura Keller, the founders of CONCRETE & WAX. Since 2018 we’ve been hand making concrete homewares and fragranced natural wax pillar candles in our Suffolk workshop. Before this, we worked for over two decades in the fashion industry, which may seem incredibly different to what we do now but there is actually a lovely synergy between the two.
Alex has always been inspired by the modular, intelligent design of technical sportswear (zip-off features, hidden pockets, clever multi-functional details) and this inspiration transferred to the design of our stackable and interchangeable collection of candleware. The concept allows customers to create arrangements depending on their mood by mixing colours and shapes, styling dramatically or keeping low-key, in the same way you might pull together an outfit from your wardrobe.
What inspired you to put your hobbies together to create this truly artisanal product and what do you like about the two mediums – concrete and wax?
We have always loved working with different material textures, combining contrasting surfaces in new ways and so, when Alex began experimenting with pouring concrete in his spare time this inspired Laura to start experimenting with wax.
The two materials couldn’t have more different properties and textures, yet together they unite in a tactile and harmonious way. Seeing the materials alongside each other for the first time was a ‘POW!’ moment for us, and we knew it was our future! However, when we launched, our motivation was absolutely not to bring another candle company into an already saturated marketplace, but instead to deliver interesting and unique products that are built to last.
How are your products made?
To bring a design on paper to reality, first we commission local craftsmen to hand make prototypes (the candles from layered plywood and the concrete engineered from aluminium). Then we hand make the moulds from these prototypes, into which we pour our pieces. After curing, concrete finishing involves sanding, washing, adding a cork foot and applying a protective coating. Every item is made in small batches to ensure quality craftsmanship and all materials are sourced as locally as possible. We’re not going to lie; it has been a steep learning curve with many ‘casualties-of-pour’ along the way, but also incredibly rewarding, inspiring and a lot of fun too!
Tell us more about the products you offer?
Our Modular Collection consists of different sized pillar candles and perfect partner concrete holders, however every candle also fits into larger-sized holders and every holder can be stacked on to a larger holder. Each holder is also designed to fit any standard tealight – the reason being, that we fully respect that the concrete will far outlast the candle and every piece of concrete deserves a long and happy life.
Since launch, we have added container candles and reed diffusers – each with a multi-functional lid to burn tealights - as well as a range of coasters. We launched splatter concrete in the midst of lockdown following an off-piste home-schooling session where our young daughter persuaded us to ‘pour concrete like Daddy but with a Jackson Pollock twist’ rather than doing her maths! When we posted her creations on social media the reaction was incredible, so we added splatter concrete to our collection, which of course is now made by Alex.
What are your three best sellers?
Our bestselling items are our coaster sets, tealight trios and mid candle and holder sets.
Do you have any new designs in the pipeline?
Following multiple customer requests, we have just extended our tableware collection to include placemats and table centrepieces to match the coasters, so customers can have a full CONCRETE & WAX tablescape this Christmas! We are also working on a new collection of plant pots and bowls to launch in the New Year.
