A big big thank you to everyone who came by Pop Up Africa this week. It was a huge success and couldn't have happened without so many people behind the scenes. It was also great to connect with so many other brands and meet like minded business owners and traders. A special big thank you to everyone who stopped by to talk to us and a super big hug to those of you who bought some candles! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do and they bring some African joy to your homes.

We were able to raise some money for Oxfam's Cyclone appeal (£1 from each Maputo candle sold will be donated to them for the rest of the year) which was a perfect cherry on top of a great day. Looking forward to being back next year! 

One of the things I'm most excited to share during Pop Up Africa at Spitalfields are these handmade Bwari pottery candle stands. When I was in Nigeria last month for my trad, I had the chance to visit Bwari, which is a little town on the edge of Abuja. There, I met Stephen and his team of amazing Nigerian artisans. They showed me around their workshops and I was able to see their work in action. From fruit bowls, to mugs and casserole dishes. They have everything, all beautifully and meticulously finished to the highest standard by Nigerian hands and using locally sourced clay! Eek!

I had just enough time to commission a few candle stands before heading back to England and I'm really happy to have these as part of the Young Mary's family. If you make it to Spitalfields, find our stall and come check these out in person. They're gorgeous.

Lola :) ​