I’ve started this blog to showcase the places, spaces and things which help me to slow down and inspire my creativity, and seeing the home of Skär Organics where they create the UK’s first and only certified organic candles is truly no exception.
The Yorkshire-based candle company have a studio in Meanwood, Leeds, and I recently paid them a visit to meet Fraser Malyk, their co-founder, and get to know the business.
The studio was drenched in low afternoon light when I arrived, the muted winter sun flooding into the room. I was greeted by the soft sweet smell of beeswax and I knew I’d arrived somewhere special.

Why certified organic candles?
Something that I hadn’t appreciated until now is that unless a candle has been certified organic, it’s almost definitely not truly organic.
Unlike the food industry, is no legal regulation of organic labelling for candles, so any maker could claim that their products are organic without having ensured that their ingredients are completely pure throughout the supply chain – which is a very involved process.
At every stage of production, the ingredients and processes must not be contaminated, and this is why certified organic candles are so rare – because it’s very difficult to achieve this accreditation.
Skär Organics only use beeswax from bees which forage on organic flowers which are free from pesticides, surrounded by organic crops and at least 6km away from any main roads and waste sites. Even the hives where the bees live must be constructed from natural, certified organic materials, to make sure that the beeswax remains pure.
By partnering with the Soil Association, Skär Organics provide their customers with the peace of mind that every element of their products are pure – even the cotton which is wick is made from is approved and accredited.

Why does it matter?
It’s a lot of effort to achieve organic certification and create genuine certified organic candles. Why is it worth all the hard work?
Those of you who know me well will know that I love to create an ambience, and I put a lot of effort into curating environments which are comfortable and welcoming.
When you bring a candle into your own home, you want it to contribute to that comfortable environment – and once you light it, you want to know that you’re not introducing any chemicals which could damage your health.
But it’s not just in the home that your choices make a difference. We have a responsibility to make purchases which benefit the planet, and to partner with businesses who champion good practices which protect the world and the people living here who need it the most.
Inspirational creative practice

I loved my visit to Skär Organics and the opportunity to soak up some of what makes their business tick.
Getting to know an independent family business who refuse to cut corners when it comes to quality was really inspirational. They’re completely focused on creating a product which benefits both the consumer and the world, and it’s challenged me to think through how I can do the same.
I left with a stronger conviction to create ceramic pieces which are aesthetically beautiful, perfectly functional and of the highest possible quality, in order to both bless those who use them and also minimise any negative impact on the planet.
It’s certainly a high calling.
Have a look at Skär Organics’ beautiful certified organic candles on their online shop – or if you’re in the area, you could get in contact with them to arrange a visit and soak up the sights and smells for yourself.
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