Next up in our series of ‘Meet the Client’ blogs, we chat to Niki Wright, founder of the new lighting brand LightsandLamps.com.
What are your main responsibilities at Lights & Lamps?
Paying the bills! But just as important I want to keep what we do interesting. There are obviously i’s to dot and t’s to cross as there are in any business, but overall, I want it to be something we all enjoy. Our team is a creative one so staying focused on what we love doing is really important. It means the website looks its best, the product is well designed, and all that enjoyment can be seen and felt by the customer.
How did you come to work in your current role?
I’ve been in lighting for a while now. Previously I worked in retail as well as on the supplier side of the lighting business. Times have changed; the market and more specifically the high street has changed, so creating our own online retailer was essential for our survival as a lighting business. The lockdown saw the closure of some of our clients so it seemed the right time to put everything I had learned over the last 20 years into practice and try something new.
What is your favourite part of working for Lights & Lamps?
Designing lights and lamps! Sounds obvious but it genuinely is the best part of my job. Having an idea, drawing it, tweaking it, getting it sampled and ultimately watching it sell – which means everyone else likes what we have done too.
Why do you think social media is important for business growth?
If I am honest, I am not a fan of social media. Most of the time I think it can be quite antisocial as it prevents people meeting face to face. As everyone knows, it can be a little disingenuous. However, from a business perspective, it is becoming the new high street. Having a website is priority, but social media is the equivalent of a shop front. If you want to grow your business across the country or across the globe, you need shop fronts in every town and every city, I think social media can be that equivalent. It allows you to reach people that otherwise would not know who you are. The trick of course is making sure you are reaching the right people and if you get it right, social media can help spread the word to the right audience relatively quickly.
Which is your favourite L&L product and why?
The one that sells the most! I’m not really sure I have a favourite. As a range I like the Imperial. I think it is immediately likeable. It’s a grown up, quite posh range, but still has a fun edge. As a collection I am really happy with our table lamps. I think they sum up the brand very well. Something for everyone. Design, price, colour, material… most things are covered but each piece has a visible ‘lightsandlamps’ touch.
What piece of advice would you give to yourself, if you could, on your very first day at work?
Learn to filter what is real and what is too good to be true. Recognise every genuine opportunity that comes your way and act on it. Polish your shoes.
Who are your three to follow on Instagram?
@no.17house, @thehousethatblackbuilt, @matchimatchidotcom
Any tips for working from home during the Covid-19 crisis?
Drink plenty of water, go for walks, don’t eat lunch at your desk, but most importantly make sure you have good lighting for your Zoom meetings!
What do you think makes a great PR team?
A group of people who are genuinely interested in your business and your product. That have empathy with the challenges you face and what you are trying to achieve. A team that can present the same level of enthusiasm and excitedness (if that’s a word?!) for your brand as you.
Fav social media channel and why?
Pinterest, because it is whatever I want it to be. It’s the images I want to see and it’s usually full of relevant inspiration…not somebody else trying to tell me what they think I need to see and be inspired by.
To find out more about lightsandlamps.com, contact the team on lightsandlamps@littleredpr.co.uk.
