Shine Labs, based in San Francisco, offers a meticulously curated collection of contemporary lighting and accessories that “shine” – artful objects that inspire a second look. 

Owner James Henderson and in house designers Stephani Martinez and James Sampayan work in tandem with designers and artisans in the Far East to develop standout pieces that will delight the eye, amuse, or simply perform flawlessly. Highlights include astonishing pendant lamps with cascading organza blossoms or embroidered petals, felted room dividers laser-cut into whimsical cabbage roses, and delicate bone china vases shaped as stones and or with flowers.  

To Shine Labs, which he started in 2009, Henderson brings 22 years’ expertise as a lighting designer and manufacturer, and a distinctive family legacy in the art world.  His grandmother is descended from the founder of the Walker Art Center, an aunt was president of the California College of the Arts, and James was raised in a milieu of arts connoisseurship and travel.  After university studies in theater lighting and television production, he innovated the first UL-listed 12 volt cable wire lighting system, which launched a national lighting trend in the late 80s.  He went on to found 2thousand degrees in 1994, producing lighting fixtures that incorporated mouthblown glass shades.  During that time he was a trustee of Pilchuck, Dale Chihuly’s prestigious school for glass artists; watching Chihuly and his students blow glass, he could visualize which finishes would illuminate most beautifully.  He traveled often to Murano, the nucleus of Italy’s handmade glass industry.  2thousand degrees was eventually acquired by Tech Lighting and Henderson was instrumental in the development of new products at both. When his contract ended in 2008, he aimed his savvy toward Asia and the South Pacific for Shine Labs, seeking out new styles and trends to enlighten the North American lighting marketplace.