| THE EPISTOLARIAN |

Recently, I had the opportunity to be interviewed about my entrepreneurial and artistic life, and the questions posed by the interviewer made me think deeply about the qualities I've developed over the past few years.

I'll share the interview when it comes out, but wanted to pass on a few ideas that inspired me...

First, one trait that stood out to me was curiosity. It's a driving force that keeps us going. When we're always eager to learn more about topics that interest us, new worlds open themselves to us. Second, another important trait is the ability to accept uncertainty. In the chaotic world, we can learn to embrace that there will always be factors beyond our control. Accepting this uncertainty has not only made me stronger but has also opened doors to unexpected opportunities and growth.

Interestingly, as I thought about these traits, I couldn't help but draw a parallel to the story of Pandora. Despite the negative connotations often associated with her, I believe there are positive aspects we can learn from her story. Like Pandora, I've come to realize that curiosity and the willingness to explore the unknown are not weaknesses but strengths. To open the "jar of chaos" brings both the good and challenging.

This week, I encourage you to embrace your curiosity and venture into an uncharted territory. Is there something you would do if you knew you could not fail? Give yourself the permission to do it anyway... even with failure as a possibly.

Disce Pati (Learn to Endure)

In the 1800s, a plethora of ship seals emerged, each bearing a profound and shared significance. These seals depict ships bravely navigating treacherous waters, accompanied by inscriptions that symbolize the endurance of life. One such seal bears the inscription "Disce Pati," which translates to "Learn to endure." Others bear the phrase "Telle esta la vie," meaning "Such is life." These seals serve as poignant reminders of our inherent resilience and capacity to withstand the tumultuous waves that life may bring. They inspire us to recognize our ability to endure and conquer adversity, navigating through the roughest seas with unwavering determination.

Featured Wax Color: Pandora

Pandora, a renowned figure from Greek mythology, is primarily known for being the first woman created by the gods. According to the myth, Zeus, the king of the gods, ordered Hephaestus, the god of craftsmanship, to shape Pandora out of clay. Each of the gods then bestowed upon her various gifts and talents.

Athena, the goddess of wisdom, adorned Pandora with intellect, curiosity, and the ability to think critically. Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, granted her unparalleled charm and allure. Hermes, the messenger of the gods, gifted her with eloquence and the art of communication. Zeus himself bestowed upon her unparalleled beauty and grace.

However, it is important to note that Pandora was not given a box or any gifts associated with it. The concept of Pandora's box comes from a later interpretation of the myth by Hesiod in his works "Works and Days" and "Theogony." In Hesiod's version, Pandora is given a jar (not a box) by the gods and is warned never to open it. Despite the warning, her curiosity gets the better of her, and she eventually opens the jar, releasing all the evils and miseries into the world. Only hope remains trapped inside the jar.

Thus, while Pandora is primarily associated with curiosity and the consequences of unleashing troubles upon humanity, she is not directly linked to the possession of specific gifts or a box. The myth of Pandora serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of curiosity and the repercussions of one's actions.

My personal take on Pandora & the unique symbolism behind Pandora Sealing Wax:

Curiosity lies at the heart of Pandora. It is a trait that drives innovation, ignites imagination, and fuels the desire for knowledge. The Pandora wax inspires you to question, to seek answers, and to push the boundaries of what is known. It beckons you to embark on a journey of exploration, encouraging you to delve deeper into the realms of your craft and discover new possibilities. With Pandora, curiosity becomes the catalyst for growth and evolution, unlocking a world of endless creativity.

But Pandora is more than just curiosity; it symbolizes an acceptance of the unknown. Just as the mythological Pandora faced uncertainty when opening the forbidden box, this wax teaches us to embrace the chaos and unpredictability that life presents. It reminds us that true strength lies in our ability to adapt and navigate through uncharted waters, finding beauty and opportunity amidst the waves of uncertainty.

With love,

Kay