Ky’s creative journey began at London college of Music, where he completed a music degree. He had notable releases and collaborations before changing direction and establishing a career in digital marketing for start-ups such as Yieldify, Ometria and Gifted Social. Life in this fast-paced industry could be intense at times, and so Ky discovered the art of mindfulness to help him navigate the hustle and bustle of corporate London life, and keep zen on the job.

Not too far away, James had been studying fashion at Westminster University and landed work with prestigious brands such as Vivienne Westwood, COS, Religion and I SAW IT FIRST, before going freelance as a Graphic Designer.

The pair met in 2010, and soon discovered that they had a shared love of music, design and home interiors that ignited a mutual spark. This formed the building blocks of an idea to start a business together one day; a business that would allow them to combine their passion, creative skills and professional expertise.

“We knew from very early on that we wanted to start a business together,” says James. “It made sense as two creative people to join forces and create something special.” “However, setting down roots had to come first. Before we could dream of building a business together, we wanted to build a home,” says Ky.

In 2016, Ky and James purchased their first property in South Norwood, taking on a huge renovation of a Victorian terrace. Their eye for design, styling and home interiors allowed them to create a beautiful, purposeful home in which to begin life as a family and as a business.

They documented this renovation journey on Instagram, building up a huge following on their account @ahouselikethis, and it was during this journey that the couple discovered just how much the power of fragrance contributed to their understanding of mindful living.

In the lead up to Christmas 2017, Ky and James made scented candles for family and friends, which went down a storm. The more they immersed themselves in the world of fragrance and essential oils, the more they realised that this was their calling. A House Like This was born!

Fast forward to today, and AHLT are proud to have been featured in British Vogue and Sheerluxe, and collaborated with established brands such as IKEA, Rockett St George and the streaming service NOW.

“Starting our Instagram was just meant to be a way of documenting our journey; we never thought it would lead to creating a platform for our own venture, let alone work with so many incredible interiors and lifestyle businesses,” says Ky.

Together with their adorable puggle, Ezra, Ky and James continue to inspire home interiors and design lovers through their vibrant social media presence. Their thriving online shops — including their website and Instagram store — have become virtual havens for those seeking high-quality fragrance products to make their homes look, smell, and feel amazing, as well as skincare and mindfulness offerings to nurture both body and soul.

Over the years, they’ve expanded their collection through creative collaborations with numerous artists, including the House of Halliwell podcast candles made in partnership with Charmed stars Holly Marie Combs, Brian Krause, and Drew Fuller.

In 2025, Ky and James were married in London, continuing to grow both their business and their shared passion for mindful living.