Luxury candle company is set to collaborate with Downlights, a candlemaking business created by a woman with Down syndrome.
Emma, 22, found it difficult to find work after graduating from school because of her condition, but with her dad’s support, they came up with the idea of starting a candlemaking business. However, it wasn’t until she met with Jennifer Del Bel, owner of Illumina, that it looked like her dream might become reality.
Illumina has helped Emma build up candlemaking skills, including assembling wicks, preparing candles for pouring, mixing fragrance with wax, trimming the wicks and applying the fragrance stickers. Jennifer will continue to help Downlights grow by offering advice about manufacturing.
Speaking to Babble, Jennifer said that when Emma’s dad, Tony, reached out to her, she didn’t hesitate to offer support as she had been looking for a “new path” for Illumina.
Tony says they are having fun working together as a team under Illumina’s guidance. “She is learning so many new skills. It is just wonderful. You can leave her on her own now on some tasks, so I can see growth her that I always knew she was capable of.”
In the future Downlights hopes to employ other people with special needs in an effort to encourage a more inclusive attitude in the workplace.
Illumina and Downlights are launching an exciting new collaboration in July – stay tuned.
