1. How did you get your start in the handmade community?

As a child I grew up in the environment of makers, enjoying the company of my dad while he crafted wooden toys for us and seeing grandpa make household items; learning alongside grandma while she patiently knitted yet another pair of socks; or being by her side in the outdoor kitchen watching 3 gallons of sour cherry jam bubble on the stove. Nothing seemed impossible and I also wanted to make everything.

2. What do you feel makes your work unique and truly your own? 

I formulate my skincare from scratch by researching hundreds of ingredients and being inspired by nature's bounty and the physical properties of botanicals. I love creating very complex formulas with dozens of natural and exotic ingredients that harmonize to make a final product. 

3. What or Who Inspires you? 

I've always wanted to be a botanist and be surrounded by plants, to care for them and to watch them grow from seeds. I still think it's magical and my garden is full of saplings. I love knowing about the plants I use, where they originate, how they are harvested, where they are grown. I don't chase the latest trends; all formulations are the result of true inspiration and passion for botanicals. 

4. What is your creative process like?

The inspiration for a product typically arises from necessity. I imagine what would be nice to use, then do research to see what ingredients have qualities to suit that need. I love creating my formulas, which are quite intricate and involved. After working with biotech companies as a interior designer for 8 years, I've observed so many manufacturing processes that prove very handy right now. Calculating a formula and ingredient proportions is probably my favorite thing to do. I start by making few test batches, refine the formula and proceed to preparing the products for final pictures, write ups and presentations. There's a lot of technical know-how involved, and I love every aspect of the process. Later comes picture taking which as a designer by training I enjoy very much. All aspects of the process truly fulfill my passion for making things and being in sync with nature and health.

5. What can we expect to see from you at Jackalope?

All the classics and all the new products which I'm very excited about.  Perhaps some free samples. I may play a little giveaway game prior to the event. We shall see. 

6. Where can we learn more about you?

The best place to learn about me is on Instagram where I post my daily maker's life through a lens. Occasionally you'll see my kids and healthy cooking,  in addition to the skincare making craft. There's a quick write up about me on the LENUS website, as well as my Etsy page. 

1.  What made you come up with the concept for Waffling Around?

We were traveling in Europe and our kids loved the waffle on a stick, we toyed around with it for a year or so and realized it wasn't really known on the westcoast and decided to give it a try, while also adding some other uncommon waffle creations, luckily for us it has been a success. 

2. Do you have a favorite flavor/combination?

One of my favorites is coconut baked into the waffle dipped in chocolate!! The sweetness of the coconut in the waffle makes it such a treat and the chocolate on top of that... Like a Mounds bar in pastry form. 

3.  What do you like most about doing art & craft fairs?

Arts and crafts fair usually go hand in hand with foodies who really appreciate the concept of our waffle, we also enjoy all the different people that the fairs attract and the unique vendors we get to meet and sometimes team up with in the future. 

4. What are you looking forward to in doing Jackalope?

 Looking forward to making new relationships and experiencing the culture of Jackalope and its following.