​My office is a little 100 square ft room attached to my 1400 square ft studio. My glassblowing studio consists of a furnace that melts 300 lbs of glass at a time and maintains a temperature of 2120 degrees 24/7. I have two reheating chambers called glory holes that we turn on and off every day. They reach temperatures of 2400 degrees. I also have 4 kilns used for cooling the glass. It’s a small shop, but it’s a nice private space for me to work.

The biggest challenge, specifically for a glass maker, is to balance the production, business and creative sides at the same time. Designing a product and creating it one time is a challenge, but being able to replicate it many times over, and training a team to be able to make it is a whole different ballgame. Add in the business logistics and preparing production schedules and I find I really need to be a jack of all trades.

Finding a team of like-minded and hardworking individuals is key. Without a solid team, the business doesn’t run. People who love glass and want to work hard will you help you succeed every day.

Staying strong is easy. I have been through some rough times with my business, but now things are getting better every year. In the end, I tell myself its only glass and money. Also, my dogs help.

Spending time at home with my family and dogs, cooking and eating.

I’m grateful for everything! I know nothing is guaranteed and each day is a blessing. I get to get up every day and blow glass because I have retailers and customers that love what I make. It’s really a dream come true.