Meet David Kowalski from Brick + Mortar: His line of nature themed soy candles have been a Community favorite since last year. In his own words: Before I created Brick + Mortar, I was working a job I would have happily stayed in for the rest of my life, if they had let me. To my shock I was laid-off in 2011 and by the winter of 2012 I began to piece together what would be Brick+Mortar. Brick + Mortar was born out of necessity, but grew out of a passion that stemmed from my childhood — when I would often visit estate sales and yard sales in Atlanta with my grandmother. I found myself filling this new and unexpected free time traveling around the country, searching for treasure. It was something I always loved, but it never occurred to me I could make a living this way until I just went for it, much less be an entrepreneur and business owner. Now it’s hard to imagine doing anything else. At first, I started selling in antique warehouses (Paris on Ponce, Kudzu) and curated online marketplaces (One Kings Lane, Gilt, Chairish). Finally it made good sense to have a “brick and mortar” of my own. I decided to set up shop in Atlanta’s Westside Provisions, where I often host or collaborate in-store pop ups with other skilled designers and makers I admire. Through these rotating pop-ups, I’m able to share my home with brands that currently don’t have one of their own. Most recently I added hand poured candles to my collection, which I’m excited to offer in store and online. From hand-picked vintage pieces to custom scents and packaging, everything I do is inspired by my love of history and community, travel and music, as well as my affinity for all things old made new. Not to mention Atlanta. I really love Atlanta. . . . #communityathens #wearecommunity #athensga #georgia #georgiamade #atlanta #atl #soycandles #brickandmortar https://www.instagram.com/p/BpaSM0HheJ1/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=sltvcgrpvtx5
