Meet Jude Biggs from Living Light Candle “I am a huge supporter of Nelson City, its growth and welfare.” – Jude Biggs

Hi, I’m Jude and I manage the Living Light Candles Nelson store in the Nelson Central Arcade.  I’ve been in this role for 7 years and I love working for a local business.  I am  responsible for all ordering, staff training and support, plus reporting.  I am proud to be part of a business that creates and hand pours a stunning range of candles and diffusers.  I’m very lucky to have a wonderful employer, Cynthia Baur, the owner and director.  And to work with such a dedicated and passionate team, both in Nelson and Golden Bay at the factory.

One of the best parts of my job is my customers.  I’ve been privileged to have met some amazing people, local, national and international.  I love hearing about their families, lives and travel!

I am a huge supporter of Nelson City, its growth and welfare.  I believe we are a unique and special town with gorgeous boutique shops and our Saturday Nelson market is second to none.  Nelson has so much to offer everyone, shopping, arts and crafts, music, a fabulous library, beaches and rivers.  We also showcase a wide range of excellent cafes, restaurants and bars.

I am Nelson born and bred and brought up on a farm until I was 16 when I left to work in the big smoke of Nelson.  Farm life as a child was the best, and I have very special memories being the ‘boy’ of the family and helping my Dad with milking cows, feeding out, tailing lambs and eeling!  Spot the picture with my cousin Stephen!

My first job was working for an accountant and up till Living Light, always worked in administration/office management roles.  I’ve volunteered as a Life Line Counsellor in the past which was an incredibly rewarding time of my life learning more skills for listening, empathy and resilience.

I have two beautiful children, Andrew who is 33 who lives and works in Australia with his partner Korin, and Rachel 29 (partner Michael) who is a mother and works at Baby on the Move.  I am incredibly proud of both my kids, their personalities, self growth and awareness.  Rachel is mum to my only grandchild, Ciara, who is 12 ½  and in her last year of Intermediate.  I can talk all day about this girl – she continues to amaze me and fills my heart to overflowing with love.

In my spare time I love to garden, spend time with family and friends and my cat, Nelly.  I’ve developed an interest in travel later in life and am looking forward to seeing more of New Zealand, Australia and further afield.  My favourite places in NZ are Wharariki Beach, Karamea and Akaroa.  Adelaide has won my heart so far in Australia. Vietnam/Cambodia are high on my list as is Australia again in 2022 when I turn 60 and Ciara turns 16!