Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in the area?
I’m from California – born in Mountain View, went to high school in Sunnyvale, college in San Jose. So basically, the Bay Area! My husband and I moved to New Jersey in 1998…and to Morristown in 2004. New Jersey feels like home to me now. I only miss California in February!
Child(ren) and Age(s)?
We have two boys – Sam, who turned 21 Oct 2nd! Going to the University of Pittsburgh. And Nick, who is 18, attending his first year at SUNY New Paltz.
Are you involved in a business venture or corporate world? Please Share!
I spent 30+ years in corporate America – mainly in online learning. I left my job at Google (7+ years) in January 2023 to take on Glassworks!
When did you decide you wanted to open your own glass studio?
After so many years working at corporate jobs, I was tired of spending my days sitting in front of a computer. The time stuck in my home office during COVID – when I couldn’t see my colleagues in person – really got to me. I just felt like I needed a change, and to do something that involved face-to-face interaction and using my hands to make things. Having made the decision to leave Google, my husband and I were at a friend’s house for dinner one evening in September. My friend mentioned that Stacey Schlosser was selling Glassworks. After creating the space and running it for 20 years, Stacey was ready to retire. This seemed like it could be my next move. My college major was three- dimensional design (mainly ceramics), so I wasn’t intimidated about things like firing the kilns. I’d never run a small business before, but I’d spent many years managing teams (hiring, developing talent). So we decided to jump in!
Has the arts always been a part of your life?
I’d definitely say I’m a maker. I love making things with my hands. Trying new materials and techniques is really fun to me – I love exploring. I’ve got a ceramics studio at home, love felting, tried quilting, origami, macrame, you name it. I took a class in blacksmithing this spring, and last year tried eco printing. I don’t consider myself an artist – I’ve never liked painting. Maybe that’s why my degree is in three dimensional design!
Do you also offer birthday parties and special events?
Glassworks is a glass fusing studio. While you’re in the studio, you glue colored glass into your own unique design. We fire the work in our kilns after you leave. Anyone can come in for a two hour session in our main studio (which seats up to 40). In addition, we have a party room that can host up to twenty guests. We host birthday parties for kids or adults, corporate team building events, even bridal or baby showers!
What do you recommend for someone new looking to try out Glassworks?
Glassworks has been in business for more than 20 years, and we get lots of repeat customers. People who were here 10 years ago might return with their family; or those who came for a kids birthday party might come back with their spouse. If you’re new to the activity, my suggestion is to start small – a small blank canvas is less intimidating than a large one. Creating something representational – like a portrait of your dog – can also be intimidating, so we encourage many people to go abstract. Also, we have a huge variety of sample designs in our studio for inspiration.
If you could give one tip to fellow Mom Entrepreneurs what would it be?
Don’t be afraid to try something new. It might be just the thing to re-energize you!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you…
While I consider myself a bit of a foodie, I hate chocolate and fruit together.
Ok 10 Fun LOCAL favorites – ready, go!
1 – Favorite thing to do with your kids? Card games – either Palace or Hearts
2 – Favorite coffee spot? Lokl in Morristown
3 – Favorite lunch place? Home! I usually eat lunch at home or pack for Glassworks.
4 – Favorite farm to go fruit picking? Hacklebarney Farms Cider Mill
5 – Favorite date night restaurant? Either Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen or Pren Kitchen in Chester
6 – Favorite boutique? Merzatta, by a landslide. They have the most beautiful jewelry and really pretty ceramics. Just love them!
7 – Favorite spot to grab a drink? Town or Sterling Tavern
8 – Who has the best bagels in town? Time for a Bagel (TFAB) in Morris Plains.
9 – Best slice of pizza in town? Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza. Especially love their wood-fired pizza.
10 – Favorite spot for ice cream? Scoop Station in Morris Plains
This interview was done in partnership with Glassworks Studio, be sure to pop in when you’re feeling creative and follow them on social media below:
