About PuzzleEmpire

Where creativity meets meditation, one piece at a time

Our Story

Founded in Christchurch, New Zealand

John and Chim didn't set out to build a company—they set out to solve a puzzle. Literally and figuratively.

As lifelong puzzle enthusiasts from Christchurch, New Zealand, they spent countless evenings piecing together intricate designs, finding meditation in the methodical search for the right piece, creativity in seeing patterns emerge, and pure joy in that final satisfying click.

But something bothered them: the puzzles they loved most were the ones that told stories. A portrait of a historical figure. A political cartoon from decades past. An abstract piece that made them think. Yet these were rare finds, often expensive, and never quite personal enough.

"Why can't anyone create meaningful puzzles?" John asked one evening, halfway through a 1000-piece portrait of Einstein.

That question became PuzzleEmpire.

Our Mission

Why we do what we do

We believe puzzles are more than cardboard pieces. They're:

  • Meditative – A break from screens, a moment to breathe and focus
  • Creative – Pattern recognition, problem-solving, artistic appreciation
  • Educational – Learning about faces, places, history, philosophy
  • Fun – The simple joy of completion, shared with friends and family

PuzzleEmpire exists to democratize puzzle creation—to let anyone, anywhere, turn their art, ideas, and stories into tangible, shareable, physical puzzles.

What We're Building

PuzzleEmpire isn't just a marketplace—it's a creative ecosystem where:

  • Artists can design puzzles with drag-and-drop tools
  • Educators can add context and stories to each piece
  • Creators can run their own puzzle shops
  • Collectors can trade rare designs
  • Production happens seamlessly through API integrations

From football heroes to philosophical portraits, political satire to abstract poetry, we're building a platform where every puzzle tells a story worth piecing together.

Join Us on This Journey

Whether you're an artist, educator, or puzzle lover, there's a place for you here.