Like many great products, The Wise Hive has origins in Italy, Dr. Karen Holan tells Whom You Know. Dr. Karen Holan, founder and owner of this creative brand, tells us:
"My first trip to Italy was in the summer of 2001 or perhaps I should say my discovery of light. The golden light that I experienced there had me smitten and left me searching for it again. Ten years later, a patient husband, two inquisitive children and a cozy hundred-year old home in a quaint village has led me to what ancient societies discovered long ago - the carriers of the golden light - the honey bee.
Like a veil lifted and a time travelled, I find myself mesmerized by the workings of beeswax. The candles Tuscan light that cleanses the air and assists in allergies, asthma and so much more... The magic of the delicate bee flying out to drink and carry back the sun's nectar... is a world beckoning for play and uncovering.
We make our own pure beeswax candles from recycled and repurposed molds, leaving no waste at the end of a good burn. We are The Wise Hive Apiary located in the unique little town of St. Jacobs in Southern Ontario. All of our products use pure Canadian beeswax and is from local bee keepers. We use only cotton wicks and infuse our candles when scented with natural organic herbs grown by us. We bee-lieve in good vibrations and pour our heart felt good wishes to you in all we do. We are a family business and on most days you can find us making our treasures in our kitchen."
Motivated by an authentic desire to develop individual potential, enhance self esteem and contribute to raising the quality of life globally, Dr. Karen Holan is a gifted writer, dynamic teacher and old-world candle maker.
Holan’s focus is on the impact of education and social entrepreneurship as a sustainable way to improve individual lives globally. She believes that education is an important piece to the health of a local place, nation and global community. Sustainability is the gateway for future generations and has an amazing opportunity to foster vision and empower both the present and future movement of youth around the world. Her company, The Wise Hive embraces her ideals and produces beautiful beeswax candles and other gifts from the hive. The beeswax used is from local independent apiaries as well as her own.
Holan completed her Masters of Education at the University of Toronto and her Doctorate of Philosophy with a research focus on Social Entrepreneurship. Holan started her career as a Mezzo Soprano and has since traveled the world teaching, speaking, volunteering and publishing her research findings. When at home, you can find her playing with the gift of light, transformed into golden nectar by the bees and hand poured into candles.
Oh Canada you have crafted a wonderful buzzworthy way to light the world, and this all-natural philosophy and methodology works so well to mimic this golden light in Chez Vous. Karen has established a lovely collection for you to choose from, and the candles we liked best are:
Sage Pillar Candle
We like the authenticity of this scent, and it is such a refreshing change from the overmarketed, chemical smelling typical candles at regular stores. Simply defined, 'Sage' means very wise - an aromatic plant from southern Europe, the Mediterranean and the First Nations peoples. Sage can be used for many purposes. It is most known for times of meditation, ceremonies and teachings. Sage is also used to release tension in the mind, remove negative energy and effectively used for cleansing homes. It's ideal for a relaxing Sunday afternoon!
Each of Sage Beeswax candles is handcrafted using natural organic sage in the beeswax as this brand carefully hand pours it into earth-friendly molds. This pure beeswax candle will not bother people with allergies or asthma.
Mason Jar
We like this one as a gift-perhaps housewarming! A rustic warm pure beeswax candle this time is presented hand-poured in a mason jar. This candle has a 100% organic cotton wick and a coppery brown lid. The beeswax is pure beeswax from Canadian independent apiaries.
Golden Beeswax Pillar
The third is a hat-trick! This seamless pure beeswax pillar is made from the beeswax of local bees and collected by independent beekeepers. It is a wonderful clean burn. It is made carefully in a metal mold that gives it the smooth look of elegance and can boast not only Pure Canadian Beeswax, but also 100% Cotton Wicks. Terribly rustic and charming, this candle along with the others featured are absolutely unisex and not overly feminine or masculine.
White Beeswax Pillar and 2x2 Breathe and Bee
For color, we like the pure, clean, white the best. It adds an added element of serenity and clarity of mind. Pure White Beeswax is a creamy pearl white - it has the warmth you expect from beeswax but is a delicious creamy soft white. White Beeswax goes through a particular process where natural clay and charcoal are used in the filtering of the wax. This removes the yellow present in the natural beeswax. There is no chemicals, dyes or chlorine added. These are pure 100% beeswax carefully...lovingly... filtered to give you the pearl of the hive. A truly decadent treat and a beautiful compliment to any room or table display.
The Wise Hive is Recommended by Whom You Know!
Bravo Karen.
Bravo Karen.