Dear Keapers,

Update 5/27: As those of you in New York City will attest, the trees here are lush and green with life, and some signs of normality are beginning to return to these fabled streets. 

When I last wrote in late April I let you know that we were all sheltered safely in our homes, and being nourished by your kind notes to us, our weekly check-ins with one another, and participating in climate action. However, we had little sense of when we might reopen.

Now we know that we can begin making candles again when New York City enters “Phase 1” of reopening. This requires the city to meet seven metrics, of which it is currently meeting five; it is expected that by next week it could well meet all seven. When we are able to reopen, we will send another email to let you know.

Having seen how the virus swept through New York City, we’re certainly not taking any chances. We’ve put a lot of time into ensuring that our studio is a safe place to work, and that we feel comfortable with our plans. I can’t pretend that our return will be like flicking the switch back to normal, but with your continued understanding and patience, you can count on us to get your candles to you smartly, safely and with a smile.

Send us an email if you have any questions or head to KeapBK.com/Covid for the latest updates from us.

Update 4/29: Many of you have been sending us kind and caring notes during the last few weeks, so we wanted to return the favor and send a brief update to you all.

We are all doing well, sheltering in our various homes, while staying connected through daily team updates and weekly video calls. We regularly share the kind words you send our way — they fill us with hope and optimism.

In practical terms our studio has been closed since Mar 23rd due to the measures taken in New York. It now seems that Gov. Cuomo will begin to ease some restrictions in mid-to-late-May, and our hope is to get back to pouring candles once state guidelines allow.

We expect any return to “normal” to look quite different than before: reduced staffing, new safety procedures, and more protective equipment. It’s going to be a learning experience for us, but one we know we’ll figure out. New Yorkers have seen first hand how “health” is a collective concept, where we are all responsible for one another. We have no doubt we will rise to meet this new imperative in a united manner as New York always does.

Many of you have had candle orders processing while we have been shut, and we will email you closer to our reopening to let you know to expect them soon. You can always send us an email at TheLab@KeapBK.com.

I’ll end on a personal note of reflection: I sense that something profound has shifted in the last few weeks. We have been forced to reflect on which businesses we hope survive the crisis: from airlines, to local restaurants, to candle makers. Which would we be sad to see disappear? The support you’ve been sending our way — whether economic or emotional — has been apparent and important to us in so many ways. I am humbled and more hopeful than ever for the ushering in of a future that is regenerative and just.

Keep the fire burning,
Stephen, and the Keap team

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Update, 3/22: We had hoped to continue pouring and shipping candles to you as a source of comfort and stability in the weeks ahead. However as per the executive order from NY State Governor, Andrew Cuomo, we will be temporarily closing our studio for the time being to help flatten the curve. 

We are still taking  orders at this time. Use code “ShipLater” to save 10% on any order, and we will ship to you as soon as we are able. Given the uncertainty of when we can ship again, please only do this if you are comfortable with waiting for your candles. 

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Update, 3/11: We started Keap to bring connection back into our lives.

Now in these surreal times, connection feels more necessary than ever.

We hope we can help you maintain a sense of stability and groundedness in your life in the coming weeks and months. 

— We plan to keep pouring candles and shipping out to you for as long as we are able to do it safely. We are helping our team avoid mass transit and have scheduled only one person to be in our studio at a time to reduce risks of any transmission. Some delays are expected due to these modifications, but we will get you your candles with the same love and care you are accustomed to.

— We’ll also keep sending the stories and email updates from the studio that we usually do, and continue posting to our Instagram about candles, our community and our inspiration from nature.

— If you find yourself with more time on your hands, send us a note! We’re here and we’re looking for some fun distractions. Perhaps there’s a question you’ve always wanted to know about scent, candles or Keap. Send it our way and we’ll do our best to get back to you with an answer.

— Your candle orders at this moment are giving us the reason and the ability to continue. If you’d like to share love with someone you can’t currently visit, consider sending them a candle to keep them in good company — a gift subscription will provide them a nice treat to look forward to for many months. Buying a gift subscription will also directly help us with cash flow, and to provide the Keap team job certainty during this uncertain time.

Thanks for the love and keep the fire burning,

— The Keap Team

— Most of the Keap team at our volunteering event in February, at Materials For The Arts in Queens, NY.