Some interpretations of Valentine’s Day can feel exclusionary (or over-commercialized). But how about celebrating love in all its forms? That’s something I think we can all get behind.
There are not many cuter sights than a child handing a Valentine’s note to a friend. And there are not many more powerful ways for people of all ages to show love than through a handwritten note.
Perhaps we shouldn’t need a holiday to remind us to share appreciation for romantic partners, relatives, roommates, friends, coworkers, neighbors, mentors, and other people we cherish. But as the world absorbs more and more of our attention, it’s a good thing we do have a reminder to share a loving note.
Of course, we won’t complain if you decide to support our work by complementing your handwritten note with a candle or two (we’ll even handwrite a note on your behalf!), and we have a couple fun suggestions below.
Regardless of how you decide to engage with these ideas, know that we don’t take for granted your attention, your business, your support, and your love.
I remember the day when we had our very first sale (or, more accurately, a backing on Kickstarter) that wasn’t my mom (hi mom!) and being blown away. It felt so meaningful to receive that support from someone I had never met before, and it continues to feel that way to this day.
I’d love to hear some Valentine’s day happy stories from our group: What’s the cutest Valentine’s day note or gesture you’ve received or observed? Just reply to this email :)
With love,
— Harry from Keap, Steward-Owner
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In other news:
- Hot Springs is our February Seasonal Scent! We’ve begun shipping out Hot Springs to subscribers on the Seasonal Scent option. Coming into the studio from the bitter cold while we are pouring this scent has me instantly feeling relaxed. The mildly spicy citrus yuzu note adds a little zest to a warm cedarwood base, supported by cooling aromatic notes (crushed pine needles, cypress and cedar leaves primarily). The green tint of the candle comes from Lavandin absolute (part of the lavender family) and a eucalyptus tree resin that is the deepest, thickest green I have ever seen (and doesn’t smell medicinal like eucaplytus essential oil). In short, this is the perfect companion for a warm bubble bath!
- Wild Figs: Later this week (and tomorrow for subscribers), we’ll be releasing our remaining Wild Figs candles. Besides being one of our most popular seasonal scents, it is in my opinion the most sensual, nudge nudge, wink wink (see more below).
- Valentine’s Day 1: We joked in the studio that Wild Figs paired with Wood Cabin is the perfect duo for a romantic partner, where you are hoping to steer things in a carnal direction. Meanwhile Wild Figs paired with Lavender + Petals is more akin to sharing a comforting hug, appropriate for most other interactions. Keep an eye out on our newsletter for the imminent release of Wild Figs!
- Valentine’s Day 2 — for current subscribers (or those who join between now and February 14): We’re offering a free upgrade to Black Box gift packaging for extra candles in our subscriber portal (here’s how)!
- Valentine’s Day 3 — date night ideas for NYC: Some of our favorite places for a memorable date night (that also burn our candles!) include June (Cobble Hill, Brooklyn), and recent James Beard nominees Lord’s, Loring Place (West Village, NYC), and Tatiana by Kwame Onwuachi (Lincoln Center, NYC). Say hi from us if you go there. :)
- We’re hiring! We’re really excited to bring on a Hospitality and Retail Sales Lead to sustainably grow our portfolio of wholesale and hospitality partnerships. It is a 3-day/week role, based at our HQ in Kingston NY with frequent travel within the Hudson Valley and NYC. If you know someone who might fit the bill, please send them this posting!
- Stephen’s update: Last but not least, for those of you who were curious about my co-founder Stephen’s next adventure, the wait is over! Stephen has launched his own coaching practice for leaders and company founders seeking to make a change in the world. It was an idea he had been mulling and building towards over the past few years, and I am so excited to see him follow through with such passion. In his words: “The notion of growth coaching emerged as I looked at my experience and noticed what brings me joy. It integrates everything I love into a beautiful practice: boldly serving and connecting with others, deeply understanding human behavior, deepening personal growth, and purpose-driven change.” He offers a free consultation, and I doubt his schedule will remain open for long—so if you or someone you know is looking to have a sidekick to navigate complex challenges ahead, consider reaching out to Stephen!
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Happy 5-year Keapiversary to Frederick in Westchester, Kelly in NYC and Christina in Atlanta! 🎂
And a warm welcome to our new Keapers: Karlswell, Christina, Tung-Sheng, Craig, Amy, Matthew, Cameron, Sarah, Kimberly, and Jaehyung! It’s great to have you on board 🤗.
And a big thank you to all our Keapers, longtime or new, for continuing to support our work. 🙏 |
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“Hi Keap team (and specifically Barb who packaged our candle!),
Who knew a little candle could change someone's day, their week, their life? Okay, I may be getting a bit carried away…for now. Well I certainly didn't when I signed up for your candle subscription.
But after what was one of the more challenging weeks I've had in a long while, receiving my first candle in the mail was a surprising bright spot. The ritualistic comfort of lighting a candle during a difficult time when you just need to pause and breathe has always been a helpful grounding technique for me, but I felt particularly warmed by the scent, love, and thoughtfulness of my first Keap candle.
Watching the wax turn beautifully translucent absolutely mesmerized me and I couldn't help but let my worries drift away for the moment. I know that moment of escape won't always be recreated, but it was a meaningful experience for me and I wanted to share it with you.
Thank you for what you do. I hope you all had a restful holiday season and continue to find calmness in 2024.”
—Tyra in Brooklyn
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MORE ABOUT KEAP
Keap is a Benefit Corporation started in 2015, inspired by a philosophical question: In an always-on world, how can we reconnect with ourselves and restore our balance with nature? Made in Kingston, NY, our candles combine deep artistry with a regenerative approach that extends to the way we treat our customers, our team and other stakeholders. |
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