The 8 Ball: Juliana Hung of The Wax Apple

The Wax Apple is inspired by days spent with your Grandmother. More specifically, it is an ode to Founder Juliana Hung’s time spent treasure hunting with her Grandmother in Taiwan. The fruit, wax apple, is native to Taiwan and Juliana has fond memories of her Grandmother serving it whenever they are together. 

Juliana: "Before mass manufacturing, people made things using local, naturally available materials—and that beauty still exists in these works today. One example is the massage tools Covet + Lou carries. I discovered the original few that I had in my shop through a wood carving shop my grandparents used to visit often. My grandma and grandpa would often go to this shop together to drink tea and talk, I was inspired by all the little tools that I found there. Continuing that connection feels very meaningful to me." 

More from Juliana below. 

Where are you from originally?

I was born in LA but grew up in Taiwan until I was 18, then moved back to LA for school. I’ve been here ever since!

Can you tell us how The Wax Apple came to be?

I spent most of my childhood in Taiwan, and most of my family still lives there, so The Wax Apple became a way to bring a little piece of Taiwan back with me to the US. Many of the first pieces I carried were things I found at my grandma’s house or places I visited with her. She often still comes with me to meet the makers—some of whom are now in their 70s and 80s.

A lot of these artisans don’t have websites and only communicate in Taiwanese, a dialect that’s slowly fading. Their goods are handmade using traditional techniques passed down through generations. While these objects may seem ordinary in Taiwan, when you take them out of that context you see the artistry, care, and labor that go into each piece. Before mass manufacturing, people made things using local, naturally available materials—and that beauty still exists in these works today.

One example is the massage tools Covet + Lou carries. I discovered the original few that I had in my shop through a wood carving shop my grandparents used to visit often. My grandma and grandpa would often go to this shop together to drink tea and talk, I was inspired by all the little tools that I found there. Continuing that connection feels very meaningful to me.

I hope The Wax Apple brings people joy while sharing the unique, handcrafted everyday objects of Taiwan.

What were you doing before The Wax Apple? What did you study?

I studied Industrial Design and worked as a corporate industrial designer for many years before branching out on my own. My first venture was jujumade, a playful line of handmade ceramic accessories. A few years later, I started The Wax Apple as a way to celebrate my heritage.

We carry several of your massage tools at Covet + Lou, such as the Sandalwood Body Bear and the Ox Horn Eyebrow Massager. How do you incorporate these tools into your daily routine?

Since my early twenties, my mom has always encouraged me to prioritize self-care—maintenance is key! In my nightly routine, after applying lotion, I often use jade tools for gua sha. It helps with circulation and product absorption. I keep them in the refrigerator for a cooling, depuffing effect.

I also always carry my ox horn eyebrow massager in my makeup bag. It’s great for headaches, long drives, or just a quick refresh.

The Sandalwood Body Massager is perfect for thighs and arms if you’re using it on yourself. Personally, I like to ask my husband to run it along my shoulder blades—it feels amazing! I also love that it doubles as a beautiful design object. You can leave it out on the coffee table and it doesn’t scream “massage tool.”

What does wellness mean to you?

Living a happy, healthy life while caring for yourself and the people around you.

Any wellness non-negotiables?

Always, always: cleanse, lotion, and gua sha (if possible) before bed.

Can you tell us about the different materials in your massage tools—such as sandalwood and jade? What properties do they have?

Sandalwood has a natural scent that’s incredibly soothing and calming. Jade is naturally cool to the touch, which feels wonderful on the skin. My favorite tip- Keep the jade in the refrigerator adds an extra refreshing, depuffing effect.

Since your company is named after a fruit (the wax apple!) and food holds so many emotions for us, could you share a favorite meaningful meal or recipe?

I love to cook, and one of my go-to side dishes is pickled cucumbers. This was one of the first things my mom taught me when I moved away from home. I make it at least once a week. It pairs beautifully with any carb and/or protein.

Pickled Cucumbers

• Use Japanese or Persian cucumbers.

1. Clean and lightly smash the cucumbers with the side of a knife or cleaver.

2. Slice into 1" chunks (or size of choice).

3. Generously salt and set aside for 30 minutes to draw out liquid.

4. After 30 minutes, drain the liquid.

5. Add a splash of rice vinegar and honey (or cane sugar), mix, and adjust to taste.

6. Add fresh chili or hot sauce for spice.

7. Mix and serve, or chill for 1 hour before serving.

8. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Explore The Wax Apple at Covet + Lou.