While Joseph Epstein was meandering through the Gwangjang Market area of Seoul, in search of an underground vinyl record store, he passed by a script “Love” bulb in a nearby lighting store. His first thought was how cool it looked and that he’d never seen anything quite like it, not even in Los Angeles where he was living at the time. So he decided to bring it back from his travels and show it to his brother, Jason, in Westport, CT.
As art enthusiasts, with design, technology, and direct e-commerce backgrounds between them, they knew immediately that they couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share such exquisite and unique lighting in the U.S. No holds barred, they launched Shine On You Crazy as a means of crafting beautiful spaces infused with calmness and positive energy. And because every environment deserves that special sparkle.
You’re brothers—how is to work with family?
Joseph: We already work together in another family business, creating dental products in a direct-model, so this is a fun new brand and a puzzle for us. It feels like an extension of that business in how we work, yet it’s exciting to explore a very different realm and a wildly different group of people.
Tell us about the fun words and shapes of the bulbs.
Joseph: We went big, warm, and bold on our first collection. “Love,” “Dream,” and “Hello” are all positive, inviting, and inspirational singular words that have so many uses and meanings depending on the application of where you put the bulb. As a unique housewarming gift, you can say so much that’s outside of the box. Once we started getting into the types of bulbs we wanted to manufacture, we saw options that made our head spin. The diamond and black bulbs reminded me of playing rock shows at Pete’s Candy Store and other small venues in NYC and felt like something I’d want in my recording studio.
What spaces are best for these bulbs in a home or office?
Joseph: They work for home, office, and for retails spaces as well. I have two XL Pineapple Bulbs in my bathroom and they emit the most beautiful warm light. Every coffee shop and clothing store needs to upgrade their bulbs.
Jason: My wife, Anne, and I installed the large globe bulbs all over our home and we love the way they upgraded our space. I spent many years in retail and have a passion for food & hospitality. I think they’re perfect for restaurants and retail stores that want a great vibe.
Is the name a nod to the Pink Floyd song, “Shine On You Crazy Diamond?”
Joseph: Shine On You Crazy seemed like a perfect name for what we’re making, but we never put much thought into an overt nod to the song. Having said that, I love Pink Floyd and love playing that song on the piano!
What’s next? Plans to expand?
Jason: Yes to expanding! This is our first collection. There are so many details with each single bulb from its size, temperature, and wattage, to its shape and filament We’ve had a lot of people ask us about easy plug-in fixtures that showcase our bulbs, so we’re working on offering table and floor lamps that make our Shine Bulbs shine their brightest.