In Conversation With Imogen Heath
We speak to the woman behind the beautiful box design for our SHINE candle. British designer Imogen Heath is celebrated for her joyful use of pattern and colour, blending traditional craftsmanship with a fresh, modern sensibility...
What does “women supporting women” mean to you?
To me, women supporting women is a collective understanding - recognising the unique psychological and physiological challenges women experience throughout their lives and creating spaces where those conversations feel open, normal and supported.
This is especially important in business. Building something of your own takes time, resilience and dedication, and as a female founder the journey can sometimes feel isolating. We are often required to reinvent ourselves more than once, both personally and professionally.
When women encourage, collaborate with and champion one another, we remind each other that we’re not navigating those challenges alone. At its core, women supporting women is about community - lifting each other up and creating environments where we can all grow and thrive.
Where do you find creative inspiration?
Creative inspiration can feel a little mysterious. I draw from many places, but I try to root my ideas in personal connection. Recently, I’ve been inspired by family photographs of generations past.
I sketch and paint regularly, and more often than not it’s these spontaneous little sketches that capture the energy and spirit that later shape my patterns.
Tell us about the pattern design - what do you love most about it?
Creating colourful patterns is such a joy, especially when I imagine them living in people’s homes. I love the way decorative interiors can influence how we feel and how a space reflects personality.
Bringing pattern into someone’s home feels very special, and when I can weave personal meaning or connection into a design, it often resonates deeply with clients and helps them feel more connected to their space.
Do you love candles, and what role do they play in your space?
I do love candles - the scent and atmosphere they create really make a home, and the whole family notices them, not just me. I especially love lighting one at the end of a long day.
How do you unwind after a long day?
After lighting my candle, I’ll often put some music on and get my sketchbook out (if the children allow me to!) That’s the time when I feel completely peaceful and just “me”.
What advice would you give to other women building something of their own?
Building something of your own takes far more time and dedication than you ever realise at the beginning.
Your friends and peers become your community, so seek out others who are on a similar path - having that support makes such a difference. There really is no such thing as overnight success, even if it can sometimes appear that way.
To stand the test of time, you need to understand and celebrate what makes you different within your industry, and most importantly, just keep going.
SHINE is a limited edition run of just 100 candles, designed in collaboration with Imogen and poured in small batches here in Brighton.