The LightenUp team is small and scattered far and wide, but somehow it all just works! Let’s meet them.
Vanessa (aka “the original boss chick”) lives on the family farm just south of Collarenabri NSW with Mr LightenUp (#1 LU supporter) surrounded by acres of farming country, lots of animals and three gorgeous kids (when they can make it home). Vanessa is known alternatively as master delegator, fabric fanatic and master lampshade maker.
Next, meet Zoe – Vanessa’s gorgeous daughter and firstborn. Zoe is technically Vanessa’s PA, but we all call her the CEO. She works from her base in Newcastle and ventures home to LU HQ during planting and harvest or when Vanessa sends out an SOS for extra help. Zoe is an organiser extraordinaire and is also responsible for answering the many emails and messages we receive.
Sue (eldest sister) has the important role of accounts and logistics (fancy title for a fancy girl!) Sue works from her home near Dorrigo, inland of Coffs Harbour on the North Coast. If you’ve purchased a custom shade from us, Sue is the one who would have liaised with you to make the invoicing and logistics process a smooth one.
Jenny (middle sister) is based in Canberra and is primarily responsible for managing the website and online shop. She is also a sometimes lampshade maker (but not often enough, according to Vanessa), business partner, mentor and responsible for keeping Vanessa’s crazy ideas in check!
Our newest team member is Tracy who is a local (she lives about 50km down the road!). Tracy is a talented artist and craft lover; she has quickly become a master packer, ironer, fabric cutter and fabulous support too!
Last but not least is the handsome Louis. His main role in LU HQ is to provide some much-needed stress relief, something he is exceptional at!
Farm life is busy and the days just never seem long enough. I’m sure many of you feel the same!
Therefore, in order to maintain some level of sanity (!) our custom order lampshades are available for limited periods only throughout the year. We will advise the opening dates over social media, or if you are subscriber to our newsletter, you will receive advance notice. It has been an extremely hard decision to make, we hope you understand.
The good news is that our On-line Shop is open 24/7! Here you can access a range of our beautiful lampshades and lamp bases throughout the year.
If you have a gift voucher (lucky you!) this can be used at check-out in our on-line shop, or you can redeem as a custom order when we re-open these.
Remember… sign up to our newsletter from our homepage if you would like advance notice of custom order opening periods, new products in the shop and little tips and tricks!
Thank you again for all your support! It’s fabulous to know that so many of you are happy to support our little bush business.
Vanessa & the LU team X
If you are unsure of the shade size you require, please click through to our blog post for some helpful information about how to choose the right size shade.
Drum lampshades are the most popular as the shape is contemporary and suits many different decor styles.
A drum shade is basically a cylinder that has the same diameter measurement across the top of the shade as the bottom.
Empire or “tapered shades” are more traditional. The diameter measurement of the top of the shade is smaller than the measurement at the bottom, creating a tapered effect.
We offer three different sized Empire shades.