Blue Lotus Soaps, Jessica and Niki Wise
Jessica and Niki Wise are the artists behind Blue Lotus Soaps, LLC. By day, Jessica is the Executive Chef at Corner Mercantile where she has been for the past three years. Throughout her over two decades in the culinary field, she has worked in various areas of the industry from fine dinning to family cuisine. Jessica has a degree in trumpet performance, a passion for music, and a deep love of being outdoors in nature. Niki is an early childhood educator inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach. With degrees in Psychology and Sociology, she carries the idea of celebrating the many languages of love and learning through various forms of creative expression.
Together they live in Brookline (Pittsburgh), PA with their daughter Emma. Since her birth, these holistic mamas have been creating products to benefit the various allergies and needs of their child with consideration for sustainability, local/community connections, and homegrown ingredients (a value that carries through to their work in the culinary and education fields as well). From this grew a love of creating products with these same values in mind. Thus leading to the creation of Blue Lotus Soaps, LLC
Brian, Celestial Glow
In the midst of my own battle with depression, I stumbled upon an unexpected source of solace—candle-making. The rhythmic process of melting wax and crafting each candle became a therapeutic escape, a flickering light in the midst of darkness. It was in those moments that I discovered not only a newfound passion but also a lifeline to pull me through. As I immersed myself in the art of candle-making, a seed of possibility sprouted. What began as a personal refuge soon evolved into a calling; a desire to share the warmth and comfort I found in crafting candles with others. This marked the genesis of my small business—a venture that goes beyond the conventional, proudly wearing the badge of being LGBTQ owned. Every candle I create is a testament to resilience, a tangible reminder of overcoming personal struggles. The crystals and fragrances infused into each piece are more than aesthetic choices; they are a reflection of diversity, acceptance, and love. The decision to make my business LGBTQ owned is a deliberate celebration of identity, an affirmation that my journey and creations are an integral part of a vibrant and diverse community. In every flicker of the flame, there's a story—a narrative of personal triumph and the metamorphosis of pain into art. My candles are not just products; they are beacons of hope, radiating a message that even in the darkest moments, we can find light and create something beautiful.