Brand Story

Our Brand Story

I started Lyttelton Lights in our kitchen back in 2015 to merge my passion for fragrances and design, whilst also building a people focused company that looks after our planet and future generations.

My journey began with hand-poured candles in my Lyttelton cottage and selling at local markets.

From there, we've transitioned to our custom-fit premises in Christchurch, offering a range of luxury and sustainable home fragrance products to customers around the country and internationally.

Keep reading for a trip down memory lane and some pictures from the early days (some of which are less than picture-perfect!).

Laura

CEO/Founder

2015

Lyttelton Lights was founded by Laura Frankenschmidt on the principles of sustainability and authenticity to enhance everyday life.

With no start-up capital, the wax for the first candle was melted over the stove in Laura's kitchen. Business cards were hand written and jars purchased from second hand stores.

2016

Lyttelton Lights was incorporated as a company. The 100 year old cottage in Lyttelton quickly turned from a home into a candle production line. Space was limited, the spare room became storage and the couch was sold to make room for trestle tables. Candles were sold at various markets which enabled reinvestment and product upgrades.

2017

The first major purchase was made! A 50lb electric melter took its place on the kitchen bench. The cottage soon proved too small and everything was moved into a storage shed down the road.

New glassware and the embossed Lyttelton Lights lids replaced the old.

2018

The storage unit soon proved unsuitable and the first lease premises was signed. A small unit divided into production and storage became the home for the first staff members employed.

A business name became a brand, and the list of stockists steadily increased nationwide.

2019

Laura expanded the product range adding room fragrances, liquid hand wash, limited editions and accessories. Lyttelton Lights outgrew its old space and moved into a much larger custom fitted premises.

Despite significant unforeseen challenges, Lyttelton Lights continued to grow and employed additional staff.

Now

Laura continues to build a people focused company. 5 additional staff joined the team and new products have been released. Significant investments have been made to transform production capabilities, warehousing and sustainable practices.