Drawing on the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and putting a contemporary spin on the functionality and beauty of traditional scents, Stephanie Hannington-Suen has created something pretty special through her lifestyle and candle brand, Homework.
At LAMP LDN we make it our mission to work with independent makers, artists and designers, and these creators become the fabric of our LAMP LDN community. We like to think of them as the Light in the LAMP, and this series gives us a few minutes to get to know them a little better. So, grab a mug of something warm and pull up a chair, as we chat to one of our makers - Stephanie Hannington-Suen, founder of Homework.
Homework differentiates itself from other lifestyle brands by rooting its candles, bath salts and essential oil blends in the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and through her creations Stephanie has created a “modern ode to ancient Chinese philosophy”.
Tell us about your journey - how did the business begin?
I started Homework really as a hobby. I’m a graphic designer by trade, and after years of working for big brands, I wanted an outlet where I could create something completely of my own. I’d always been interested in how scent can be so closely linked to memories and emotions. Growing up in a Chinese household, scent was al-ways present—whether it was the herbs my mum brewed for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) remedies or the incense burning during family rituals. That connec-tion to wellbeing and nature stuck with me, and I wanted to create something that honoured it in a contemporary way. What started as me experimenting with essential oils and candle-making at home soon grew into a full-fledged brand.
Is there anyone in your life who has had a lasting influence on your taste and style?
Definitely my mum. She’s always been a huge influence, whether it’s her approach to natural healing, her love of simple, well-made things, or just the way she moves through life with this quiet confidence. She taught me to appreciate quality over quantity and to find beauty in everyday rituals, which has shaped a lot of what Home-work stands for.
What, would you say, are the biggest inspirations for your creations?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is at the heart of everything I do. There’s so much wis-dom in it, and I love translating that into something modern and accessible. The idea that scent can be functional as well as beautiful really resonates with me. Aromather-apy has been around for centuries, but in TCM, certain botanicals have specific bene-fits for the body and mind. I also take a lot of inspiration from nature and nostalgia, memories of home, childhood scents, even the changing seasons all find their way into my work.
Your products are as pleasing aesthetically as they are practical - how important is design in your process?
Design is super important, but I never want it to feel overdone. I think good design should feel effortless, it should fit seamlessly into your space and your life. My back-ground in graphic design definitely comes into play here; I’m always thinking about balance, negative space, and how something will feel in someone’s hands. But be-yond the visuals, it’s also about the materials, natural waxes, essential oils, recyclable packaging. It all needs to come together in a way that makes sense.
Do you have a favourite moment of your making process?
Definitely creating the scent story. Scent is so personal, it can transport you to a spe-cific memory or completely shift your mood so I love the process of building a fra-grance that tells a story. I usually start with a feeling or a moment I want to capture, then layer different notes to bring it to life. The best part is when everything just clicks, and you know you’ve created something that feels evocative and meaningful.
Tell us about your supply chain - where do you source your materials? Do you try to remain conscious of longevity and sustainability?
Sustainability is obviously a huge priority for us. We source as many ingredients as possible from ethical suppliers - our candles are made with a rapeseed and coconut wax blend, which is made in the UK using EU grown rapeseed and organic coconut oil from small holders in Asia. We use natural ingredients wherever possible, but I also think it’s important to acknowledge that “natural” doesn’t automatically mean “better” when it comes to sustainability. Many essential oils require a huge amount of raw plant material to produce—particularly things like sandalwood or rose, which can be over harvested. In some cases, high-quality, lab-made fragrance oils can actu-ally have a lower environmental impact than their natural counterparts, which is something we’re mindful of when choosing ingredients. With longevity in mind our candle glasses come with a lid so they can be easily repurposed around the home long after the candle has been burned.
Tell us something you love about your own home?
My kitchen table. It’s where everything happens—morning coffee, candle testing, brainstorming new ideas, dinner with friends. It’s the heart of the home.
What’s your favourite thing about being an independent maker?
The freedom and flexibility, for sure. I love being able to shape my own day, follow my creativity, and make decisions that align with my values. No two days are the same, which keeps things exciting. But beyond that, it’s the people, I’ve met so many amazing customers, makers, and creatives along the way.
The Light in the Lamp Quick Fire Round
Your favourite cocktail
Something fresh and citrusy, a Margarita for sure.
Your ideal Sunday morning
Hopefully, laying in bed with our son for an extra half hour, a long walk on Wanstead Flats with our dog Sonny and then stopping off for tea and pastries.
We’re coming round for dinner - what’s on the menu?
A proper family-style spread: a big plate of dumplings, a warming noodle soup, and something green and garlicky.
Your rainy afternoon comfort movie
At the moment, we’ve been watching Paddington on repeat as it’s our son’s favourite film.
Your favourite pick from the current LAMP LDN collection (that isn’t something of yours!)
I absolutely love the Sabre Paris cutlery. We never seem to have enough knives and forks when we have people over so these have been on my list for a while now.
You can follow Homework on Instagram