The Story Behind FriendshipLamps

Friendship Lamps grew out of John’s desire for connection. He wanted a way to connect with his family members who are spread out across the US and Canada. With a background as an engineer, new media artist, and professional musician, John explored how technology could be used in a beautiful way to allow his family to connect wordlessly. He delivered the very first Friendship Lamps to them on Christmas 2014. 

Also on Christmas morning 2014, John proposed to Vanessa. Together, they made the first Friendship Lamps in their basement. After receiving positive feedback from family members and others, John decided to broaden the reach of Friendship Lamps by developing the product commercially. Then others might also enjoy a meaningful way to communicate with their loved ones.

John is now the owner of Technology for Humankind, LLC DBA Filimin, which aims to produce Internet of Things products that can offer connection and beauty. Vanessa is a psychotherapist in private practice and a musician. She and John are also the co-founders of Snappy Kids LLC which makes therapeutic mobile apps for kids.

John and Vanessa have two sons and live in Wichita, KS where they enjoy cycling, sharing family time, and trying to stay one step ahead of the pets.

Friendship Lamps grew out of John’s desire for connection. He wanted a way to connect with his family members who are spread out across the US and Canada.With a background as an engineer, new media artist, and professional musician, John explored how technology could be used in a beautiful way to allow his family to connect wordlessly. He delivered the very first Friendship Lamps to them on Christmas 2014. 

The Heart Behind Friendship Lamps

Friendship Lamps began in Wichita, Kansas, and it's still where our mission comes to life. Our close-knit team is dedicated to creating meaningful connections for families and friends around the world.
The Heart Behind Friendship Lamps

John and Vanessa started Friendship Lamps with the belief that how a company operates matters just as much as what it creates. That commitment to people continues today. While our lamps are manufactured by trusted partners, our headquarters remains in Wichita, where our team designs new products, supports our customers, and builds partnerships that strengthen our community.

Through partnerships with organizations like the Women's Initiative Network (WIN) and the International Rescue Committee, we're proud to support employment opportunities and invest in the people who have always been at the heart of Friendship Lamps.

The Women's Initiative Network is a non-profit collaborative that provides women survivors of domestic abuse with educational and employment opportunities. Through Technology for Humankind, we're proud to support WIN's mission and the opportunities it creates for women in our community. We're also proud to have graduates of the program as members of the Friendship Lamps team.

New Leadership

Saint Francis Migration Ministries helps refugees fleeing violence or persecution in their home countries find safety and build new lives in the United States. Technology for Humankind employs refugees from the SFMM. It is our intention to help and welcome them as residents in our city of Wichita.