We sit down and chat with Jennifer Del Bel, managing director of Downlights Ltd, a luxe NZ made soy candle company that is looking to expand in 2020, and discover how they want to illuminate, care and change today’s workplace inclusivity norms.
Tell us about Downlights.
Downlights NZ is a New Zealand owned and operated fragranced soy candle company that manufactures luxury candles using artisanal techniques. Our candles are lovingly hand poured and the entire manufacturing process supports the development of a variety of workplace skills for young adults with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. Proudly, we are FWD certified as a social enterprise providing buyers with confidence that our products deliver positive social impact. Our social impact moves beyond the realms of daily milestones achieved in our factory by our growing team of people with and without disabilities, into the greater community, through an exclusive range we offer to schools, clubs and community groups to support their fundraising efforts.
What was the inspiration for building a business that supported and raised awareness for people with disabilities?
The first inspiration came from meeting Tony and Emma Sykes, who has Down syndrome, and hearing about the difficulties they came across. In our first year of working together, we attended the Attitude Awards and I was in tears most of the night listening to the inspirational and humbling stories of so many people who have either helped people reach their goals in the disability sector or had to overcome incredible obstacles to achieve what is so much easier for an individual without a disability.
So, the lack of workplace inclusion is a big issue in New Zealand?
Yes, it is. What organisations say they do and actually do are often two different things. Here is something to think about: in France, since 1987, people with disabilities must account for six percent of any workforce with more than 20 people.
It must be really rewarding work. Tell us your top three magic moments with Downlights.
First, the day I walked through the door at work and Emma made eye contact with me and said, “Morning Jenn!” rather than looking at the table and lifting her hand. Also the day that Jack took the train to work independently. Number two, the evening Tim Wilson from Seven Sharp launched our story and Kiwis brought our business to life with their incredible support. And number three, the day we became officially fwd: certified by the Ākina Foundation who are New Zealand’s principal intermediary for social enterprise so that buyers who support businesses like ours, are able to make a positive impact through buying from us.
How do you see the future progressing for Downlights and the team?
This is a year of change for Downlights. We will be moving into new premises within the next two months giving us the opportunity to expand our business and bring in large scale machinery to increase production capacity. The new machinery is incredibly easy for our crew to use and it will allow us to manufacture up to 400 units per hour. This will secure an accessible and inclusive space for Downlights to operate as a leading contract manufacturer and generate more work experience programs and ultimately, increased employment opportunities.
Building a business can be challenging, can you share any tips on how to progress?
Surround yourself with people who share your vision and passion. Be prepared for hard work, but take time every night to be grateful for something. Imagine if you woke up in the morning and all you were left with was what you were grateful for the night before?
What aspect of Downlights are you most proud of?
Working with Recreate NZ as their pilot company for their MOXIE (Meaningful Opportunity X’ing into Employment) programme will help other companies in New Zealand make the move to be more inclusive. The days the Moxie Crew come into Downlights are absolutely uplifting. It pushed me further as a director to think outside the box and this led to the development of Downlights Charitable Trust which allows us to donate $1 from every candle sold to the New Zealand Down Syndrome Association and Recreate NZ-organisations who are also supporting disability rights, inclusion and diversity.
Where do product ideas come from?
Growing up in Northern Canada, I spent every Sunday at my grandparents’ house. My grandmother had the most amazing costume jewellery and beautiful vintage glassware. I loved the designs, the patterns and it has been a significant influence in my personal taste. I spend hours and hours researching new products, trends in fabric, colour and materials to decide where we are heading. Our mini range was so successful at Christmas we have expanded this range for Mother’s Day 2020. And wait and see what we have coming your way later this year!
If you could share advice with yourself when you started this business, what would you tell that Jennifer?
Never be afraid to ask for help. I have been in the candle business for six years (Illumina Soy Candles previously) and throughout my journey I have met numerous businesswomen, like myself, that work crazy hours, juggling families and leave little if any time for themselves.
How can we buy Downlights candles?
With the help of Karrina Mountfort from Web based, Dave Sauvage from Sauvage Design, and Terri Munro from Pixel Café, we built a beautiful new website (downlightsnz.com) in November and we would love you to look check it out. The demand for our products has increased so dramatically in the last four months we have restructured to offer retailers the opportunity to stock our range. You can find a stockist list on our website.
Any final words of wisdom or mantras you can share?
Our tagline says it all: illuminate-care-change.
We ILLUMINATE lives through employment.
We CARE with $1 per candle towards beneficiaries.
We CHANGE workplace inclusivity norms.
To purchase Downlights candles or sign up for a monthly candle subscription please visit downlightsnz.com
You can help make a difference! Downlights are launching an equity crowdfundraising campaign with PledgeMe next Monday 23 March at 12 noon
To sign up and be one of the first to receive our IM please share your email here http://mailchi.mp/downlightsnz/invest Or to view the campaign after it launches on Monday 23 March at 12 noon please visit http://pldg.me/downlights
