“My passion is having the opportunity to turn people to a new art medium and the joy of seeing people’s faces when they see their fused glass creation.”
The 20 years that Lynn spent in management and sales was nothing compared to a class she took in making fused glass art. After experiencing the joy from creating fused glass, Lynn decided that she has found something that she’s really passionate about, and felt the urge to do something creative in her life!
When asked whether it was a difficult decision to make this decision to leave her corporate job to start her own glass studio, Lynn mentioned that it was all she could to get out with her life and that she found glass and never looked back.
In this week’s Host Spotlight, Meet Lynn, Founder of I Made It! Glass Creations! Read on to learn more about how her story and how she is helping people to find their creative spark through the unique concept of project-based fused glass creations for everyone!
Hi Lynn, can you introduce yourself and tell us more about the experiences that you offer through Verlocal?
We are a new art concept in San Rafael that is the first of it’s kind in the country. It is a drop-in, no experience or artistic ability needed, project based fused glass studio where you will choose from over 100 different functional projects (that start at under $10 all in) and begin creating stunning fused glass art within minutes of entering our warm and welcoming studio.
What is fused glass? Fused glass is the safe and fun process of combining different colors and shapes in glass which then go into a kiln to nearly 1500 degrees to melt the glass together. Come back in a few days and pick up your fused glass art and be prepared to say with a smile “I Made It!”
Tell us about your background: When did you first become inspired to do what you love?
I have a corporate background but fell in love with glass when I took a class through a community college about 13 years ago. After maxing out on glass classes and eventually renting workspace at a glass studio with friends, I was having so much fun that I wanted to see if I could make it possible for everyone to experience the fun and beauty of fused glass, without project limitations and the need to take a class.
What does your passion mean to you?
Passion means sharing my joy with others.
What made you want to pursue your passion and become a host?
The opportunity to turn people to a new art medium and the joy of seeing people’s faces when they see their fused glass creation.
I just love the fused glass medium. You can literally do anything with glass and once fused, the results are usually really cool. Also, I find sort of meditative and relaxing. It’s a no stress art medium. Very good choice after 20 years of corporate America.
What are some of the challenges that you faced when starting your own business?
Opening a new business is a huge challenge in itself, let alone a business where no one knows what the business does! Every day if filled with problems that need solving, so you better love what you do or it could get beyond difficult really quickly. I am so energized when I am with people in the studio. There is nothing I love more than to share the cool world of fused glass. I GET to do this business…I am living the dream!
How would you describe the link between your classes and the community around you?
Our studio is a warm and welcoming meeting place. Come with a friend, a group or by yourself and meet new friends while having fun tapping into your creativity.
How long have you been living in San Rafael? What would you recommend to someone who just moved to this city?
We have been open in San Rafael for about 10 months and are blown away by the receptiveness and kindness of the community. I get this sense from everyone I meet that they truly want us to be successful. If I had to come up with a tagline for San Rafael, I would say “San Rafael…where everyone is a friend.” For someone just moving to San Rafael, be open to making lots of friends!
Tell us about your biggest achievement since you started teaching your classes.
It is impossible to narrow it down to the biggest achievement. We have had amazing experiences with the mentally handicapped groups, physically handicapped groups, and senior groups to name a few. We are constantly amazed by the beautiful fused glass our customers create.
What is your favorite piece of work & the story behind it?
Since I am running a business, I rarely get to make fused glass art. For my birthday this year, I gave myself the time to create a jellyfish bowl. As of this moment, this is the favorite thing I can think of that I have made. Also at this moment though, I could find several things that my customers and employees have made that I like every bit as much if not more!
Share with us a favorite moment/story you’ve had between you and your students when you were hosting your classes.
We have so many amazing moments it’s hard to identify a favorite. I got an email a couple days ago from a mom who’s daughter was in one of our classes and she wrote:
Tiffany T. on 5/16/17
“Thanks again! You have no idea how happy your glass creations have made everyone in my family!”
This was pretty special and really moving.
If you had unlimited materials/time, what would you create?
I might create something really large in size, but I am pretty happy with what I am able to create without a giant kiln.
What are your goals for the future?
To introduce the world to the fun and beauty of fused glass.
What does Verlocal mean to you?
The opportunity to introduce this new art medium to more people so many can say with a smile “I Made It!”
Do you have a quote that resonates with you the most? Share it with us and tell us what it means to you!
From the movie “The Field of Dreams” … Build it and they will come! This is pretty self-explanatory.
If you are a host on Verlocal and would love to feature on host spotlight, send us an email at [email protected] with a short paragraph about why you want to be featured!
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