the last word
GOOD TO
GLOW WORDS | Gail Williams IMAGE | Matt Jelonek
PERTH MIGHT BE known as the City of Light but Subiaco can justifiably lay claim to being the City of Glow, thanks to the handiwork of Justin Magatelli, who has been plying his trade in the suburb since 2011. Make that the City of LED Glow. What is LED Glow? Some old-timers may remember Subi’s Leadlight Festival. Well, this is something completely different. LED stands for light emitting diode with products producing light up to 90% more efficiently than incandescent light bulbs. Justin, whose business – LED Glow Illumination – operates at 290 Hay Street - can tell you more so pop in for a chat. Residents who are unfamiliar with Justin’s name will certainly be aware of the pretty glowing plant pots, cube seats, floating spheres and bars adding a magical touch to social events throughout the suburb. If they’ve been to a Nova 93.7 Christmas party they will have marvelled at his inflatable dome tent, queued up at a funky glowing bar and sat on surreal illuminated cubes. Locals who dined at Murray Gill’s short-lived fish and chippery, Mr Gill’s, would have had their wine served from branded glowing ice coolers and bathed in the light of the white sphere table decorations. “They didn’t last very long there as the customers souvenired them,” says Justin. And fans of reality television show Big Brother would have spotted, back in 2012, the glass top martini table which housemates sat around during the eviction process and the glowing
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spheres in the pool – all supplied by Glow. Justin is the go-to man for event organisers who want to make a distinctive statement with their functions. The lightweight and resilient products are lit from within by remotely-operated LED lamps designed in Perth that can be set on one colour or fluctuate through many different colours. The products can be customised with a corporate logo making them ideal for sales promotions, corporate branding or themed events. LED Glow Illumination was conceived back in 2010 when Justin, a marketing specialist, stayed at the Mira Hotel in Hong Kong and was captivated by the illuminated planter pots in the deluxe outdoor areas. Thus began an international search for suppliers so the keen home entertainer could add some unique style to his own events. “I didn’t know where to start but contacts were saying to me “if you find out where can you let us know?” he says. Eventually he started importing the products from China and the first
three containers that were shipped over were sold before delivery. “The electricals were designed for us by a company in Balcatta,” he says. “And the plastic compound formula comes from a company in Melbourne.” Justin will launch a new range of products in February, including large ice buckets for entertaining all year round. “We will also be offering new solar-powered products such as illuminated pots, outdoor table lamps with built-in Bluetooth smart speakers and festoon lights,” he says. Over the past decade Justin has been welcomed into the Subiaco business community “Many challenges in Perth have affected businesses from thriving,” he says. “What I now see is many businesses starting to enter or reenter the Subiaco area, especially on Hay Street East. I have found a sense of community among the local businesses in Subiaco. When we opened this store, many came in to congratulate us and wish us luck.” Visit glowglow.com.au/
