Meet Gabrielle Devereux the photographer behind Santosha imagery
When creating Santosha Candle Co, I really wanted to align the creative imagery with what really felt true to my style and the vision I had for Santosha. Thanks to Gabrielle we managed to achieve just that. Gabe has recently moved to Auckland but is originally from Dunedin, from the moment I worked with her I knew she had the ability to bring my vision to life. She has a wonderful calm energy, she has amazing style and she really knows how to hit a brief.
You can see more of Gabe’s work below…
As a photographer, what inspired you to start taking pictures?
I started taking photos when I was quite young. I doubt they were very good photos but I was always inspired by landscapes and architecture. I would always have my families digital camera nearby to take photos and still to this day take way too many photos on whatever camera I have on hand. You would be alarmed at how many photos I take daily on my phone... It wasn’t until I started studying Communication Design where we did a photography paper that I knew this was something I wanted to do as a career.
Growing up in Dunedin, what brings you the most joy about this small city in the South of New Zealand?
What brings me joy about Dunedin would have to be the amazing locations it has to offer. Dunedin is small but offers such a range of amazing places to visit. I miss places like lovers Leap, Ross creak, Pūrākaunui, Smails beach a lot being away from home.
When you hear the word contentment, what comes to mind for you?
Hmm, I made a lot of lifestyle changes recently to help with my mental health. It's lead to me being a lot more accepting of myself. It’s the first time I’ve felt contentment in a long time.
I know you recently moved to Auckland into a new house... What items in your opinion make your house feel like a home?
Photos, art & books are all things that make my house feel like home. I’m lucky to have a collection of amazing art pieces created by my talented friends that I’ve moved up to Auckland with me. It makes me feel like I’m at home when I see them as I've pretty much copied my Dunedin bedroom layout and moved it up here.
What is your favourite way to relax and reset?
For me relaxing is sleeping in, walking to get a coffee somewhere or reading a good book. If I'm relaxing at home there will no doubt be a candle burning in the background!
Finally tell us about your favourite Santosha Candle scent... what one would it be? and why?
My current favourite would have to be the Ylang Ylang (currently have it burning beside me). This scent is so lovely, I find it calming which has been perfect during these not so calm few weeks of lockdown here in Auckland. It’s such a fresh scent which I am always drawn to. I was trying to remember what this scent was reminding me of the other day. I realised it was making me reminisce about my childhood Christmas's when my nana would have dried oranges with cloves that she had made around the place. Quite a special memory to me which is nice! I love how scents can bring back memories.
