Photo credit Steph Rooney

Socialight is a business that can light up a room

Bright ideas and even brighter futures are ahead at this Torquay showroom.

There is a particular joy in a name that winks at you, inviting curiosity while giving a hint of the story behind it. Socialight does exactly that. It’s playful, punny, and utterly fitting—a nod to both the social nature of light and the experience of visiting its showroom. For Torquay-based lighting business Socialight, the philosophy is clear: light is not merely functional, it is transformative. 

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“Socialight was born from a love of architectural design and the recognition of a clear gap for a dedicated lighting destination right here in our hometown of Geelong. The name reflects what we believe lighting really is: social. It shapes how people gather, how a home feels and how spaces come to life. There’s also a play in it -something elevated but approachable, much like a socialite: considered, refined & elegant but still warm, accessible & fun. That balance is really important to us. From the beginning, our vision was to create a space that felt considered and welcoming, where people could explore premium lighting in a way that felt inspiring, not intimidating,” explains Socialight director, Jake Hickey.

A family-led business, Socialight was established from a gap in the market – a lightbulb moment if you will – one that Hickey witnesses on the frontline as an electrician. From fitter to selling fixtures, the transition to business was a daunting but one that was the right switch.

“Fortunately a lot of the skills and knowledge from the electrical industry translated into a really solid base of experiences that we continue to add to, and draw from every single day. The overwhelmingly positive response and support from the community when we launched was a huge relief and gave us the confidence boost to back our vision.”

 

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So began the setting up of the showroom, a space that is completely unexpected for a lighting store – lively, colourful, and inspired. 

“From the beginning, we wanted the showroom to feel like a destination. Somewhere people could slow down, explore and really experience the true artistry of the lights. Not what you would expect from a traditional, overly bright and often overwhelming lighting store.

Many of the pieces in our collection are handcrafted, with real detail and materiality and we truly believe they need to be seen in person to be fully appreciated,” Hickey explains.

The showroom reflects how they see lighting in the home. It should make you feel, it should incite comfort and it should help to visually tell a story. Say goodbye to the new build uniformity of a downlight and hello to a work of art that illuminates the whole house experience.

“Good lighting shapes mood, highlights architecture and materials, and completely changes how a home feels from day to night. For us, it is never an afterthought and each space should be illuminated with intention and consideration.”

 

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At the core of the business is a strong sense of community. Their work extends beyond the showroom into the studio and facilities of local partners and collaborations. Socialight stay true to the social aspect of their name, collaborating with local arts makers on designs and trades including local ceramist Elizabeth Bell. 

“Geelong has such a strong community feeling and supporting other small businesses is a big part of what we value. We genuinely love being able to showcase local Geelong makers in the showroom, and we currently have lights from five different local creatives on display,” explains Hickey.

“Our collaboration with Libby on the Mill Wall Lights has been a really special experience for us and has truly exceeded our expectations – with the lights now loved not just by Geelong locals, but right across Australia and New Zealand.”

 

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Looking forward, Socialight has big visions with a new website relaunch on the cards, expansion in their partnerships, and on a personal note, an expansion in the family.

“2026 is shaping up to be another big and exciting year for us! On a personal note, we’re about to welcome our 2nd baby, becoming a family of 4,” he says.

“We are also relaunching our website this month to make it easier for clients to shop online. 

And for the rest of the year, it’s really about refining what we do. Continue to grow our relationships with interior designers, builders and electricians. Expanding the support we offer across both residential and commercial projects and continue bringing considered, design led lighting to our Geelong community.” 

Socialight lights up Torquay at 1/1 Haystacks Drive. Visit their website here to explore options and book consultations.