Meet the Maker: Roxy Jacenko of XRJ Celebrations

Thanks to COVID-19, PR powerhouse Roxy Jacenko found herself with a bit too much time on my hands. Not one to sit around, XRJ Celebrations was born, setting out to create fabulous additions to any celebration table or home that makes you go WOW. We chat with Roxy about her creative process, what keeps her inspired, and her go-to spots in Sydney…

Tell us a bit about yourself?

Mum of two and Publicist by day, entrepreneur by night!

When and how did XRJ Celebrations come about?

I have always loved art, though my career in Public Relations never really allowed me to explore it, until COVID-19 hit, with that saw me with too much time on my hands and not enough to do and XRJCelebrations was born. Initially the focus of the brand was about Pillar Candles in a custom bases, they were hugely popular so I decided to expand the range into a series of decorative pieces which have become ‘candles that are art’.

Any advice you would give to someone thinking of starting a brand?

Take risk, with each of my businesses which there are now 7, I have always done what everyone else said ‘I couldn’t do’ or ‘wouldn’t work’ – throw your heart and soul into it, work harder than you have ever worked and be willing to be flexible – not set in your ways!

What’s your design process and is there anything you do to help to get the ideas rolling?

We work with a 3D designer, a mould maker and some of Australia’s best candle pourers, every single piece is hand finished. I find inspiration for the XRJCelebrations range from various places, from fashion trends for colours to furniture for shapes – everything around me is inspiration which then comes together to assist with creating new and unique shapes.

What inspires your products and aesthetic and how do you keep it relevant?

Pre Covid -19 I would have said Travel, but now it’s scouring the internet, looking at trends and colour from various categories in order to remain relevant. With the Bubble opening to NZ just this week I was on the first flight out to visit Auckland not only to meet and experience the incredible superette store but also to be inspired and step outside what has been the norm for the past 12 months.

What is something not that many people know about you or your brand?

That it is 100% Australian Made and something that I am really proud of, whilst it would have been advantageous financially to produce the brand aboard it was important to me to support local artisans and create something ‘at home’.

What has been the highlight of your brand to date?

Seeing it at retail level, it was started as an online business only so to walk into the Superette store and see the brand front and centre was without a doubt a proud moment.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been  given?

Spend less than you earn! Basic but vital!

Describe your style in three words:

Minimal / Black on Black / Structured!

What’s your daily go-to outfit?

At the moment Burberry Leggings, a Miu Miu Jacket and a Superette White Tee with a trainer.

What should every woman have in her wardrobe?

A classic black jacket!

What’s your favourite thing about living in Sydney?

We have the most amazing outdoor spaces and gardens and being a green thumb I love exploring them, the Botanic Gardens are a must.

Can you share with us any of your local hidden gems? (Could be food, shopping etc. any must see’s / do’s)

Shopping at The Intersection, Paddington
Lunch at Icebergs, Bondi Beach
Facial & Nails at Jocelyn Petroni
Brunch at The Boathouse Rose Bay
A Sea Plane Trip with Sydney Sea Planes followed by lunch at Cottage Point Inn

Where is your favourite destination of all time and why?

I LOVE Laucala Island in Fiji. It’s one for everyone’s bucket list!

Where to from here, what’s next for XRJ Celebrations?

New shapes, new colours and a mini range exclusive to Superette!