An Interview with Tracy Longworth, Founder of LO
Creator of candles that are as delicate and fragrant as they are beautiful. Keepsakes. A ritual. An Art. My new travel essential.
Tell me a little about yourself?
Born in Derbyshire in 1968. Parents Jack and Betty adopted me at a young age.
I have an older sister Karen.
I completed a foundation course in Art and Design and then went on to complete degree courses in Interior Design then Architecture.
I met my husband when I worked in London for various architectural companies and then we moved back to Nottingham where I’ve lived for 18 years. I have 2 children (Eve and Anna) 2 big dogs and 2 rescue donkeys.
When and how did you decide to start up LO?
A loved one’s death signified the birth of LO. Scents evoke a memory in a way the other senses can’t. I was introduced to Alan Aboud (https://aboud-aboud.com/) by a mutual friend while undertaking some work for Paul Smith.
I was looking for someone to help create the brand identity for the candles. What started as a working relationship grew into a partnership.
Why LO?
Lo started life as Longworth. We both agreed that less is more.
Where did you get the inspiration for your LO brand? (http://lo.studio/ )
The two piece cardboard packaging, with it’s die cut circle, is a three dimensional representation of the LO brand mark. The open circle represent a gateway to a happy place and time. Each candle has an individual story evoking a specific time and place and with it, an accompanying illustration. In addition to the outer packaging, there is bespoke monogrammed smoked grey glass, created by Tracy Longworth’s architectural and interiors studio, LONGWORTH Associates ( http://www.longworthassociates.co.uk/ ). The glass takes it’s inspiration from antique bevelled Russian tea glasses, commonly called ‘granyonyl stakan’.
Each illustration has been crafted by hand by collagist Mark Lazenby (https://www.marklazenby.co.uk/) . During a chance viewing of a mutual friend’s framed pieces, Alan saw the immediate potential in unifying the individual stories with Mark’s collages. Painstakingly researched, the component parts are sourced, hand-cut and assembled until each image becomes a unique assembly of previously discarded paper and vintage ephemera.
What’s your most popular candle?
This depends on the time of year. Bergamot Clouds and To The Sea seem to be the most popular candles in spring. Pathless wood was the most popular over winter. We only launched the brand in October, so it’s a little early to be sure.
What makes your candles so special and unique?
It isn’t easy to produce a highly scented candle that is natural. It has taken years to get the mixture right and each fragrance has a different ratio of ingredients. It is a little bit of alchemy!
Our candles use 100% natural non GM vegetable wax which is fully sustainable, fully traceable and replenishable. They are vegan (no animal fats used or beeswax), we use essential oils, absolutes resinoids and balsams. Our oils are distilled to a greater concentration than standard, forming a liquid resin. This is then mixed with our candle wax producing a highly fragrant candle. We do use fragrance oils that are non-distilled. Our candles are finally hand poured the traditional way by chandlers not machines in UK. We produce small batches for freshness. Our wicks are organic cotton and paper (no tin or lead used). The candle glass includes 20% of recycled glass. Our lids are 80% recycled steel. Our boxes use 80% recycled paper. We do not test on animals. We have no herbicides or pesticides. We are non GMO. No parabens. No bleaches or dyes used. No palm oil. No fragrance enhancing chemicals. No glues or binders. No lead or tin. No single use plastic.
But we will strive to do better.
What’s next for LO?
We are working on 3 new fragrances and an organic hand wash which we hope to launch later in 2020.
An object you would never part with
I have a box of photos from my parents. It’s from a time when you only had 1 photo rather than countless stored on devices. Once they are gone , they are gone forever.
The biggest influence in your life
My Father Jack. He was patient, thoughtful and interested in everything. He was an inventor at heart, constantly making things. He taught me to enjoy nature and inspired my love of flowers and fragrance.
An unforgettable place you’ve travelled to in the past year
Japan. We launched the candles over in Tokyo in November.
What struck me most of all was the serenity and integrity of the people and thoughtfulness that goes into everything they do. It is an inspiring place.
Where would you like to go next?
Samarkand in Uzbekistan. It has been on my bucket list for years. It is on the old silk road and one of the oldest cities in the world. Known for its architecture, antient crafts and spices it conjures up a wonderful world.
Favourite smell?
There are so many but amber (for its comfort) bergamot (as a sharpener)and vetivert ( because it is earthy) are up there in the top 10.
Your favourite website
David Austin roses!
I have a huge collection of roses at home and can always find space for a few more.
A recent “find”
A beautiful store in Japan called Cibone. The whole place is so beautifully laid out. It is gallery meets retail.
We are fortunate that they have just started stocking our candles.
The books on your bedside table
The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
An incredible scientific account of how trees communicate with each other and work together in a symbiotic way.
If you weren’t doing what you do?
Horticulturalist or an Illustrator
In your fridge you’ll always find
Chillies
The beauty staple you’ll never without
Factor 50 moisturiser
Favourite City
Rome for its sheer spectacle. It is a living museum, stunning.