THE LIGHT FACTORY – MODERN BUBBLE CHANDELIERS MADE IN SPOKANE

THE LIGHT FACTORY – Modern Bubble Chandeliers, built by hand right here in Spokane, Washington! If you’ve visited ‘From Here’ in River Park Square mall, it’s likely you stopped in pure awe when seeing these works of art in person… I for sure did! These lights bring a touch of elegance, uniqueness, and personality to any space in your home. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect chandelier, pendant light, flush mount, sconce, ceramic light, mid-century lighting or more, after browsing their site, you’ll be in awe of the beauty and craftsmanship behind each piece.

The Light Factory is a female-owned and operated business that was founded through one DIY project at home! The owner, Ashlie Beal, has one on one contact with her clients in order to achieve their perfect statement piece that sets their home apart.

Ashlie was so patient as I was trying to decide which style would be perfect for our main bath space. Once you choose which light you want for your space, you then get to decide on the bubble finish, cord option, and hardware/canopy finish so each piece is 100% custom for you and your space. I went with the frosted bubble finish and the natural cotton rope and it brings me peace and calm every time I use the space.

Why did you create The Light Factory?

A: My husband and I had purchased our first house and it was 100 years old. The kind of old that doesn’t come with any overhead lights. At the time we were DIY remodeling and I didn’t have the funds to purchase our lighting so I rolled up my sleeves and created a light for our living room. A few months later we had some friends over and they told me that I HAD to sell the light fixtures. I thought it might be the wine talking, but turns out they were right (thanks Aminah and Carolyn)! We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary this month!

What brought you to Spokane?

A: I grew up in Spokane attending Eastern and WSU. After graduating I moved to Los Angeles and then Baltimore, where we spent twelve years and I started The Light Factory. After I had my first child we decided to move back to be closer to family and old friends.

Why is Spokane a great place to start/own a business?

A: I’ve had a great experience growing my business here in Spokane. We’re a city of people who respect hard work, quality work, and taking care of the people around us. And that translates to being a great place to start a business.

What was your defining moment?

A: I was a month into opening my store and sold a handful of lights. I was working from our living room on the days off from my full-time job and questioning where I wanted to take the business. The turning point for me was when financial expert Amanda Steinberg ordered one of my fixtures. I drove to Pennsylvania to deliver her light and she bought me a cup of coffee and asked about my business. We proceeded to have an amazing conversation where she encouraged me to dream big, work hard, and set (what seemed like) unattainable financial goals. That conversation helped spark the fire that I needed to move forward, to leave my day job and reach that “unattainable financial goal” three months later. A cup of coffee and some kind, direct words ended up being an invaluable milestone in my business. It’s one that still inspires me in setting my future goals and being a resource for other female entrepreneurs starting out.

What sets you apart in your industry?

A: We’re a small shop and our truly amazing coworkers are what really set us apart. The person who picks up the phone is often the same person building the chandelier for your space. We love to work with clients to customize a fixture for their exact needs. Do you have a 14 ft ceiling? Do you love the color blue and have all brass hardware? We walk alongside our customers before, with our optional design consults, during and after installation if any issues arise. If your toddler breaks something a year later we’re still here to help! If you think of your room as an outfit, the furniture might be the clothes we need to wear, but the lighting is the jewelry. Sparkly, illuminating, and fun. That one piece that brings everything together, making you smile every time you see it. That’s what we strive for.

What’s some advice you would give to someone wanting to start a business in Spokane?

A: Reach out to the local SBA chapter and Mark Pond at the Spokane Public Library. You’ll be surprised at how many different resources they have available! Seek mentors and put yourself out there, lean into others’ experience and wisdom. I realized the saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” is especially true when running a small business. Most of all, hang in there. Starting a business is never easy and you’ll want to quit a thousand times over. Take a deep breath and keep putting one foot in front of the other. It’ll be worth it!

Where can we purchase your products around town?

A: Right now all our products are sold on our website www.thelightfactory.net.

Where do you like to eat around town?

A: So many places! My 8-year-old son is obsessed with Luna, it’s where we go on our mother-son dates together. 🙂 We also love Italia Trattoria, Mizuna, Chaps for pastries, Cochinito Taqueria, Bruncheonette, and D’lish for the best, quick burgers in town.

If you were on an island and could only bring three things, what would you bring?

A: I’m pretty pragmatic. A multi-purpose tool/knife and a lifetime supply of peanut butter and sunscreen. Does that count as three?

What’s your favorite 90’s jam?

A: Intergalactic by the Beastie Boys (full circle moment when I sold Mike D of the Beastie Boys a chandelier for his Malibu home).

What is the last thing you watched on tv?

A: Ted Lasso. By far the most heartwarming show on television.

What’s next for you?

A: We’re currently in production with local ceramic artisans to create a new product line. As a juxtaposition to our Bubble Chandeliers, which are ethereal and cloud-like, the new Terrene ceramic collection is more grounded and earthy. We want the new product line to reflect the same craftsmanship, architectural details, and timeless quality as the rest of our lighting.

Not only is Ashlie creating beautiful lighting to help each space shine to its fullest potential, but she’s also creating life and light throughout Spokane as she works to empower her team, women in business, and our community as a whole. She has also chosen to give 10% of her profits to charity as a way to give back and bless others in ways that customers have blessed her. We’re so glad she made the move back to Spokane and took the leap with her business!

Remember, in honor of their 10th anniversary sale, Ashlie has graciously given us a special discount code “Spokane20” for 20% off site-wide! (Available one day early exclusively for our Spokane Eats community) Discount ends May 31st.