Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Johnston.
Hi Kelsey, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been creatively inclined. I started making candles to explore fragrance and how it can change the feeling of a space. My partner, Michael Carlson, and I had always wanted to start an endeavor that highlighted both our skill sets. When we collaborated we complemented each other’s strengths. We started Wacks in 2017 as a multidisciplinary creative endeavor. We work with candle making, design, and print processes.
Recently, Wacks has focused on beeswax candle products. We use locally sourced beeswax and make all of our own taper and sculptural molds for candles. The sculptural mold-making process has been especially exciting because it opens up so many possibilities to experiment with form, texture, and material. Each attempt reveals new techniques and unexpected outcomes, making it a continual process of discovery.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Owning a business brings a unique set of challenges that we’ve both learned greatly from, pushing us to adapt, grow, and develop skills we may not have otherwise discovered. Each obstacle has taught us something new. We always find creative solutions, and those lessons continue to shape the way we approach both our work and our lives.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I work across a variety of mediums and enjoy creating anything I set my mind to. I’m most known for candle making, design, collage, photography, sewing, and project management, but I also thrive in more left-brain activities like balancing books and working with data in spreadsheets. Inspired by my grandfather’s entrepreneurial endeavors, I coined my personal moniker: Office of Johnston.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wacks.co
- Instagram: @wacks_co
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-johnston-055142b/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/officeofjohnston/
