Elevating Appalachian Wax Works
Artisan Candle Photography & Brand Strategy in Pittsburgh
SCOPE OF PROJECT:
Mini-Brand Strategy, Lifestyle Product Photography
“For someone like me who doesn’t have a great understanding of branding and marketing, Leeann was so good at breaking it all down in a way that was easy to understand and navigate. She just nailed it—we were on the same page with everything from timeline to creative direction throughout the whole process! Now I have gorgeous, quality photos that showcase my products in a way that truly elevates my brand.”
Katie, Appalachian Wax Works
Helping a handcrafted candle brand shine through premium product photography and strategic brand storytelling.
When I work with small business owners, the process is more than just taking photos for their website or online shop.
It’s an intimate, collaborative experience—one that dives into the heart of your mission and builds a visual identity rooted in authenticity.
I call this heart-aligned branding—where strategic clarity and storytelling visuals come together to elevate your business.
Appalachian Wax Works: A Story of Purpose, Bees, and Beautiful Candles
Appalachian Wax Works is a small batch artisan candle company based near Pittsburgh, PA. Founder and beekeeper Katie handcrafts eco-friendly beeswax candles and bottles pure Appalachian honey from her own hives.
Her work is rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and the legacy of Appalachian traditions.
When Katie scheduled a free brand strategy call, her intention was clear: she wanted her growing business to reflect the quality and care behind every product.
Like many artisan makers and creative entrepreneurs juggling a full-time job, she needed to use her time and resources wisely. That’s where a mix of brand strategy and elevated candle photography came in.
Where Strategy Meets Visual Storytelling
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Clarify her brand direction—develop a plan for the next 6–9 months that would align her visuals, messaging, and marketing with her long-term goals.
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Capture elevated product photography that reflects the premium quality of her handmade beeswax candles and honey.
Bridging the Gap Between “Handmade” and “High-End”
A common challenge for small-batch makers—especially in the artisan candle industry—is overcoming the “crafty” perception. Hand-crafted sustainably created candles deserve to be seen as the luxury lifestyle products they truly are.
But if your brand visuals don’t match your product quality, customers may undervalue your work.
For Appalachian Wax Works, we prioritized visuals that would:
✅ Build brand trust through consistency and quality
✅ Increase perceived value of each candle, honey, and other products
✅ Attract ideal clients who shop at places like Whole Foods and value sustainable, beautifully designed home goods
The Visual Identity: Appalachian Simplicity Meets Modern Elegance
Katie’s ideal customer loves clean design, high-quality ingredients, and products that elevate their home.
So we:
✨ Chose soft neutrals and natural textures for a timeless brand aesthetic
✨ Styled with candle holders and props from local Pittsburgh shops and boutiques that her clients already love
✨ Used fresh florals from a local floral studio to reinforce the connection to nature and locality
The result? A refined, organic visual brand identity that reflects both the Appalachian roots and the elevated feel Katie envisioned.
Pittsburgh-Area Artisan? Let’s Elevate Your Brand.
Whether you're a small batch candle maker, creative entrepreneur, or eco-conscious product-based business, you deserve visuals and strategy that help you stand out in a crowded market.
If you’re based in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or Western PA, I’d love to help you bring your vision to life with a heart-aligned branding approach and high-quality product photography.
📸 Book a free brand strategy call to explore what’s possible for your next chapter.
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