Downlights found its beginnings with Illumina, which was born in 2013 from Jennifer’s passion and desire to create a luxe candle company that manufactured the longest burning fragrant hand poured soy candles. She dreamt of curating a library of unique fragrances that would easily transform a space in terms of light and mood, creating an ambience that could evoke past memories or inspire new ones.

As social entrepreneurs, the team offer their latest candle ranges to schools, community groups and charities so that they can fulfil their fundraising endeavours. Made with love, the candles result in a superior New Zealand hand crafted candle range that empower people with disabilities.

The company’s tagline ‘illuminate-care-change’ amplifies their dream to set an example for other employers in New Zealand by looking to ‘illuminate’ and light the way by creating jobs and showing ‘care’ as a community by offering opportunities within our company. We hope that one day, this will pave the way for ‘change’ that leads to greater acceptance for people with special needs to be placed and valued in today’s growing workforce.