Begonia & Bench
Do you have a story behind your business name?
"Begonia" symbolizes our love for nature and beauty, and is also a nod to Darren’s mom’s favorite flower. "Bench" represents our dedication to craftsmanship and creativity. Together, they capture the harmony between art and the environment that inspires everything we do.
How did it all get started?
When we began, we were shocked by the waste generated in the candle-making industry and knew we wanted to do something different. Determined to make a change, we committed to planting a tree for every candle we make, not just sell (that’s a marketing tactic).
We also support local non-profits focused on community and environmental needs. This mission drives us as two artists passionate about creating something that doesn’t just go in the landfill.
To date, we’ve had over 11,500 trees planted in a US National Forest—all from just a 10x10 pop-up tent.
That is incredible! What is your favorite part of the maker process?
The most rewarding part of our process is working with a unique Japanese rice bran wax, known for its smokeless and dripless properties, despite its challenges. Blending this rare plant wax with our soy and coconut waxes is where art and science meet. We use a multi-pour technique, rather than a single pour, to ensure a perfect blend and finish. Each candle is then aged and cured like a fine cheese or wine, allowing the complex scent blends to mature and develop. The stability and slow-burning nature of rice bran wax, combined with our unique fragrances, provides a burn time of around 90 hours—much longer than traditional soy candles. This meticulous process is incredibly fulfilling and truly sets our candles apart.
Where do you draw inspiration to create?
Nature is our greatest muse. The changing seasons, the vibrant colors of flowers, and the serene beauty of the forests all inspire us. With an artist's eye, we see the world a little differently, finding beauty in the everyday moments like the first light of sunrise or the delicate patterns of a leaf. These perspectives fuel our creativity and drive us to create candles that are more than just a source of light.
What is your favorite candle that you have created and why?
One of our favorite creations is the "Cozy Campfire" candle, which captures the essence of an outdoor campfire with its earthy notes. This candle is special because it was inspired by our favorite camping moments in Minnesota and took over six months to perfect. Due to its sensitivity to humidity and heat, we can't always bring it to events, and we only make a very limited batch at a time. They sell out quickly, but you can also watch for them on our website!
What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?
A day in our studio is a blend of creativity, craftsmanship, and behind-the-scenes work. It also usually begins with a cup of coffee and a walk in the woods 😊. Every day is different, but it always ends with us feeling grateful for the opportunity to create something meaningful.
What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?
We’re thrilled to be a part of the Jackalope art fair, where we’ll be showcasing our latest collection of Artisan candles. This includes some exclusive new scents inspired by the vibrant summer season. Alongside our new creations, we'll also have our bestsellers and a few surprises up our sleeves 😉. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay updated and catch all the excitement!
What do you love most about Minnesota?
Minnesota’s natural beauty is unparalleled. The forests, the pristine lakes, and the vibrant seasons all provide endless inspiration for us! We also love the strong sense of community and the support for local artisans, which makes Minnesota the perfect place for art to grow and thrive!
Anything special you’d like to share?
At Begonia & Bench, we believe in giving back. For every candle we make, not just sell, we plant a tree in a US National Forest. This commitment has recently earned us recognition as a Sapling Partner by the National Forest Foundation on their website! We're proud of our efforts to make a positive impact on the environment, and you can learn more about our partnership here: https://www.nationalforests.org/tree-planting-programs/small-business-tree-planting-partnerships
Find Begonia & Bench at The Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival on August 10th & 11th, 2024.
Website: www.begoniaandbench.com
