An Eden-based artist is celebrating after her home-made candles have been sold to a number of Hollywood stars.
Karo Candles is run by Karoline Pakula, of Penrith.
She began making her own candles during the COVID-19 lockdown and started selling her work from an online shop on Etsy.
The popularity of the candles has soared since, beginning with purchases from family and friends, and now achieving international recognition.
“I never thought my candle-making hobby would lead me anywhere,” said Karoline. “It’s an incredible feeling to see people appreciating the work that goes into each candle. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others and to bring a little light into peoples’ lives.”
Despite being made at home and often in her pyjamas, Karoline has recently gained a global following for her unique designs, with recent orders from Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson and High School Musical’s Vanessa Hudgens.
“These candles are not your typical pillar candles, they come in an array of unique shapes and sizes. Each candle is crafted from scratch, with the initial design sculpted in clay, creating a silicone mould, and then hand pouring the wax to create the candles,” said Karoline.
The result is that each candle is a one-of-a-kind piece that is both a work of art and a functional item.
Karoline taught herself how to make candles during the pandemic as a new hobby, but never imagined her passion would take her all the way to Hollywood.
“I love living in Cumbria; it is such a beautiful place and I am inspired by its natural beauty. I’ve always had a passion for creating things with my hands, so making candles just clicked for me,” she said.
“I wanted to create something that was not only functional but also a bit different, fun and toxic-free. I love experimenting with new designs and shapes. Currently I’m working on something completely different to my previous designs.”
In addition to her candle-making business, Karoline also loves photography. When she’s not in the studio, she can be often found behind the lens capturing the simple pleasures of life.
She is also a culinary adventurer with an insatiable appetite for trying new restaurants and says she is on a never-ending quest to find charming eateries around the county, and the best Italian red wine.
