Since their arrival to north east america in 1622, the honey bee has been a potent mythologic symbol and essential icon for industry, social structure, cleanliness, spirituality and teamwork. Recognizing the power of everything honey bee, entrepreneur and artist Kara Brook blossomed her inspired line of honey bee products featured as Waxing Kara. (Above, Kara’s Eastern Shore bee sanctuary).
Waxing Kara is a brilliant representation of USA-made products beautifully packaged online for home delivery and at her newly opened showroom, Honey House, located in Baltimore, Maryland.
Kara has applied her savvy for creative thinking, previously learned during her days as owner of the Brook Group, and now reimagined as a lifestyle inspired business owner uniting her love for honey bees, art, design, nature, natural products and active voice for the Eastern Shore.
Like the honey bee, Waxing Kara did not evolve out of a singular vision over night. And in compliment, Kara Brook remains extremely devoted to her newfound occupation and love for the honey bee, health and beauty. Kara’s story is unique, inspired and shared…
Kara Brook : In 2008, There have been many over the years and began when I decided to paint full time. I fell in love with encaustic painting, a painting process made with beeswax, tree resin and pigment, and it seemed a natural extension to harmonize my artistic interests alongside the idea of beekeeping.
It was really important for me to research beekeepers in the area and learn more about beekeeping. I have met some amazing and experienced beekeepers during this process and not really sure what I love more—painting or working with the bees. (Above, Kara working with mentor Elstner Honeybees).
Beekeepers have been happy to share their latest news about the state of honey bees and willing to share their perspectives in kind…I’ve never met a beekeeper that I didn’t like. In general, the consensus among all: the bees are better off without harsh pesticides that have been approved and in constant use throughout the United States today. Beekeeping is hard physical work, its good for the soul, and a lot like painting.
As for the creation of Waxing Kara, it happened naturally. I didn’t have a formal plan and could not have imagined or planned how it all came together. Part of it is most probably luck, but luck seems to happen when you put a lot of hard work into what you are doing, and when you’re passionate about what you are doing. I am an entrepreneur and have always been a hungry entrepreneur (I know you are laughing right now—you are right, ha, ha, ha —Stay hungry). Being an entrepreneur has always been in my blood. (Above, The Beekeepers, 1568, by Pieter Bruegel the Elder).
mark Murphy : You feature a wonderful and diverse array of products. What is your favorite part of the process in the development of your products?
Kara Brook : I love coming up with ideas and putting them to action. I find it really rewarding to share the latest products, fragrances, sweets, soaps, and all the honey packages with customers and really appreciate experiencing their delight. That just brings it all together for me.
Kara Brook : As you know, I was formally trained as a designer. I graduated from Mica in the mid 80’s and I practiced graphic design for more than 20 years. As time progressed my role changed from aspects of doing to leadership. In business I learned to find the best people for the job. People who specialize in what they do. I learned to specialize.
The package design for our label and early products was born from a collaboration with Eric Kass. I put together the creative brief of image attributes and product attributes along with a photo story of the Eastern Shore. He did a terrific job and this was the result of his genius.
mark Murphy : I like the package and made in the USA character of your products. Share how important this is to you when supporting the Eastern Shore, the honey bee and the folks that support all things Waxing Kara.
Kara Brook : It’s everything to me to be part of the new “maker movement” in the United States today. It’s what drives me. It’s such hard work. Much more than I’ve done in a very long time but I feel very fortunate to be here, now, living and breathing all this at the moment and in the moment. I have put together a wonderful small team of makers and doers who are working really hard right with me and I love that too.
Did you know, honey will not expire. It is a sugar, and all sugars are hygroscopic, meaning they don’t contain much water in their natural state. Very few bacteria or microorganisms can survive in an environment like that. One thing that sets honey apart from other sugars, and makes it an excellent long-term resident in your cupboard, is its high acidity. The oldest honey that has been found dates back 5,000 years.
You can find more information at Waxing Kara, a wonderful resource for natural products, health and beauty. Kind thanks to Kara Brook, and if you are in Baltimore, stop in to the Honey House and check out the latest.