Women in Lighting: Passion, Equity & Financial Balance
In this Artistic Finance Podcast Episode, Amy D Lux meets the co-founders of Women in Lighting, Sharon Stammers and Martin Lupton. Sharon and Martin share insights on balancing passion with financial realities, the importance of representation, and how their work-life philosophy has shaped Light Collective. Below is an insight into some of the topics covered in this Podcast.
What is Women in Lighting and how did it start?
Sharon: Women in Lighting (WiL) started as a small project after we realized we had unintentionally excluded women from a lighting documentary we made. We interviewed 19 men and only three women, which was pointed out to us at a screening in New York. That realization made us examine the industry and notice that keynote speakers, panels, and juries were predominantly male.
Martin: We wanted to create something that would increase the visibility of women in lighting, making sure they had a platform to be seen and heard. Originally, we planned to feature about 20 women, but it quickly grew into a global movement spanning 78 countries.
How did you fund Women in Lighting, and how is it sustained?
Martin: When we started, we approached companies led by women or those with female board members, as we thought they’d be more likely to invest in the initiative. We were lucky to find a great supporter in Formalighting, who saw the value of the project and pushed for its growth.
Sharon: Over time, we expanded with support from Ayrton Lighting, and many other companies have contributed in kind, such as trade shows giving us space or magazines offering publicity. The project runs with minimal financial overheads—we adapt to what’s available rather than overextending resources.
How does Light Collective operate as a business, and what does success look like?
Sharon: Light Collective is our lifestyle company, meaning we prioritize flexibility over financial expansion. We didn’t set out to become a large firm, and we don’t have a physical office. We work remotely, allowing us to travel and spend time with family.
Martin: Success for us isn’t about making millions but rather about being able to do meaningful work that fuels us creatively. The biggest win is hearing how Women in Lighting has changed people’s careers—that’s more valuable than financial gain.
What financial challenges have you faced running Light Collective?
Martin: One major challenge has been late payments. Architectural lighting projects can have long timelines, and sometimes, clients take months or even years to pay. Since we don’t have big financial cushions, that can be stressful.
Sharon: We’ve had lean times, but keeping low overhead costs has allowed us to navigate them. We’re fortunate to have creative control over what we work on, which keeps us going even when finances are tight.
What advice do you have for people entering or pivoting within the lighting industry?
Martin: For beginners, get out there, network, attend events, and absorb as much knowledge as possible. Having strong technical knowledge builds confidence and sets a foundation for career growth.
Sharon: For established professionals, I’d say: pay it forward. Share your experiences and knowledge with those coming up in the industry. Someone once told me, “Be the person you needed when you were younger.” That’s the mindset we try to embody through Women in Lighting.
Key Takeaways from the Episode
- Passion-Driven Business
Light Collective prioritizes creativity, flexibility, and family balance over financial gain. - Global Impact
Women in Lighting (WiL) grew from a small initiative to a worldwide network in 78 countries. - Sustainable Funding
WiL thrives on strategic sponsorships, volunteer efforts, and low overhead costs - Networking & Mentorship
Success comes from connecting, learning, and supporting the next generation. - Redefining Success
True success is living a fulfilling life while doing meaningful work.
Listen to this Episode on:
Website / Spotify / Apple Podcasts / YouTube
This episode of the Artistic Finance podcast is hosted by Amy D Lux.
Editor's Note: At StageLync, an international platform for the performing arts, we celebrate the diversity of our writers' backgrounds. We recognize and support their choice to use either American or British English in their articles, respecting their individual preferences and origins. This policy allows us to embrace a wide range of linguistic expressions, enriching our content and reflecting the global nature of our community.
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