2. How would you describe your work in three words?

Precise, Sculptural, Cosy

3. What materials or techniques do you use, and why are they important to your process?

All the materials I use are carefully considered, and all come from other small businesses. The lampshade backing is a beautiful thick card, chosen because it’s more sustainable than the alternative plastic but also because it gives an intrinsic beauty and tactility that you wouldn’t get from plastic. The fabric is all natural- Cotton or Linen, no polyester or polycotton. These choices add to the design of the lampshades they are part of what makes them beautiful.

In terms of techniques, I don’t think I do any “standard lampshade” making techniques. When I started making the pleated lampshades there wasn’t even an online “how to” on what to do so I created my own process and techniques, worked out all the tools and materials that I needed to created what I had in my head and over time I’ve tweaked these so that I can produce the best quality lampshades possible.

4. What does a typical day in your studio or workshop look like?

Every day before starting work in the studio I take my dog for a walk with my husband and son. This is such a lovely start to the day regardless of the weather, I find that connection to nature and my family really helps me to get my head in the right space for the rest of the day. Then every day is different, if I have lampshades to make I’ll get started on those straight away, normally with a podcast in my ears and just head down focus on making those. Some days I have meetings and calls most recently with web designers and also a manufacturer who is creating part of some new products that I’m launching soon. I also spend time designing, exploring new colour options, fabrics, ideas for new products. Then at 4pm I go and collect my son from nursery and that’s my working day finished.. until he’s in bed at least.

5. Do you have any unique rituals or habits that help you stay creative?

I write all of my creative thoughts/ideas down and always on paper with a pencil, I’m very analogue with stuff like that and can’t get my thoughts out if I do it on my phone or computer. I find making mood boards really helpful, collating images or ideas that inspire all in one place definitely helps me to solidify what I’m thinking.

6. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a maker, and how did you overcome it?

Plagiarism, unfortunately I think this is something that a lot of creatives have to deal with especially when putting yourself and your work out there. Not to go into too much detail/specifics I had a not great situation with someone buying one of my lampshades and then using it to replicate the lampshades and to be honest it was devastating. When you put so much time, effort, energy into creating something from scratch it’s hard to handle. Initially I got bogged down in legal options (of which there are not many) and it was a really stressful upsetting time but I realised a more powerful way to deal with it was to focus that energy into making my creations better, develop new ideas and use it as motivation to do better and make more of the ideas I had for Ceau Store a reality.

7. What’s been your proudest moment or achievement so far?

Honestly every sale I make is like a pinch me moment. Sounds so cheesy but I think a lot of small business owners can relate to that especially when they make the products. Every time I get a request or sale from an Interior Designer my stomach does a little flip and when my lampshades were bought for the Hoxton hotel in Barcelona too. Also, the Lampshades being in Elle decoration, a publication I have coveted from a young age, that felt like a crazy moment.

8. What’s your favourite quote you’ve ever heard about your work? Who said it, or what was the name of the publication?

9. Where do you draw inspiration from for your work? What sparks your imagination and creativity?

The essence and idea of home definitely influences my decisions and fuels my imagination. Form, texture, pattern, colour and how that relates to and enriches our homes and lives is so interesting to me. Little nuances and details can make all the difference and I love paying attention to that. For example, the shadow that comes from the pleated lampshade when lit is really pleasing and unexpected. Those little details that come from creation is a really lovely thing to pay attention to. It may not be immediately evident but I think you can see these intricacies- the care, the thought comes through in the final outcome.

I almost feel like this is a bit of a cliché that I learned from art college but problem solving also fuels my imagination and creativity. If I have boundaries or a problem to solve/get around, the outcome can often be more valuable than if all the possibilities were endless.

10. Do you have a favourite artist, maker, movement, or tradition that has influenced your craft?

Jean Cocteau, Miro, Picasso, Matisse. I love the abstract, whimsical, playful, colourful work of these artists. Since having my son I’ve also fallen for the illustrations of Ludwig Bemelmans- we read a lot of Madeline, illustrations are amazing, the stories however are a little odd but he seems to like them.

11. How does colour influence your practice; is it an important part of your process? Do you have a particular palette or favourites? Any go-to sources for colour inspiration?

I always think about colour when creating a new shade or collection, it’s really a primary focus and I always consider how the colours I choose will work in an interior space. When picking colours or fabrics its more of a feeling I get when I know something is right and will work well.

12. What do you want people to feel when they experience your work?

Joy! I don’t have a very serious job, if I’m not bringing joy to people’s lives with the lampshades then I think I’ve missed the point.

13. What are you currently working on, and what excites you most about it?

I have a new lighting collection in the works and I’m so excited about it because it’s all designed to pair perfectly with the lampshades, colour, shape, style everything. So now people can buy a lampshade and have a perfect match, be it a wall light, pendant or table lamp, available to them.

14. What advice would you give to someone starting out as a maker?

Don’t compare yourself to others, it’s really hard not to especially in this environment of oversharing but if you can find your thing and focus on that, the rest will follow.

15. If you could go back to the start of your career, what advice would you give your younger self?

Don’t rush, you have time and often more interesting things pop up along the way.

16. Where can people find your work, and how can they support you?

At the moment just on my website ceaustore.com and my Instagram account. There’s definitely a shift away from Instagram at the moment and I think it’s pretty healthy so signing up to my newsletter would be the best way to support me and my work.

Ceau Store’s lampshades beautifully combine thoughtful design, sustainability, and cosy sophistication, making them striking yet joyful additions to any home interior. Each piece carries meticulous attention to detail, colour, and form, creating unique lighting solutions that enhance everyday spaces.

Discover Ceau Store’s latest collections and follow her creative journey at

Support her by signing up for the newsletter and exploring her beautiful creations.