TO:FROM: Colourful natural candles
Craftsmanship and colour as a seal of identity.
To:from candles are not just made any old way. They convey a love of travel, good vibes, nature, colour and the Mediterranean lifestyle. That's the message they have for all those lovers of these small sources of light that have the power to cheer us up, relax or escape from a complicated day. If you are one of them, read on.
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
To:from (on Instagram), started out of necessity, as I realised that there were no good quality and affordable candles on the market. So I decided to make my own candles. The first candle I made was a peach candle, which was a long process full of trial and error. That's what comes to mind when I think about the beginnings of To:from.
What do you find most satisfying about creating natural candles - one that you are particularly proud of?
I love that our customers keep coming back to buy more candles and explore our new collections. It's proof that they like our products after 5 years since we started To:from. I am very grateful for that.
What is your creative process for making natural candles like? What are your sources of inspiration? Any particular music while working?
Usually, I first come up with a theme for a collection and then I start thinking about the visual aspects of the collection. Once I design the packaging, I match the fragrances to the visuals. I realise it's a bit of a backwards way of designing products, but it has always worked well for me. To:from products are deeply inspired by a love of travel, colours and Mediterranean nature and lifestyle. I love listening to indie bands while I work, it keeps me in the flow.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order! ;D
Coral.
The Draper Touch: The High Life and High Style of Dorothy Draper by Carleron Varney
Lost in translation.
LP Visitor by Alex Juarez.
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner, your favourite decorative object or piece of furniture, if you treasure a collection... And if you have a pet, introduce it to us!
My home is definitely my happy place. I'm obsessed with lamps and chairs and have some of my favourite pieces at home or in my studio. My favourite corner is usually the space where I can create, which used to be at home but is now outside in my studio in El Farró. There are no pets in the family, but I have 3 children so I'm up to it :-).
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
I would probably buy a new kitchen for our flat. I love a good big kitchen and it is such an important part of the house for the whole family.
A great plan at home always includes...
Cooking for my family and friends. I love it. It's a different way of being creative for me.
Do you have a signature dish?
If you ask my eldest son, he would definitely say pasta with tuna, which is his favourite :-D.
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
Gràcia is, without a doubt, my favourite area where my family and I live. During the Covid, we were talking about where we would like to go back when we have the chance and the first place that came to our minds was Japan. We love Japanese culture and nature.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
I am excited to have started teaching candle making workshops in our studio at Calle de Vallirana 47 in Barcelona. They are working very well for us. We still have some in May :-).
