From Studio Works to sherristudio in 30 Years
Thirty years ago I got the stained glass bug. I was consumed by it and quickly decided this was the career for me. After having an interest in art my whole life it seemed a perfect way to fulfill creativity with productivity!
I literally started in my attic (after having moved from the garage!) and after a year I found the perfect (cheap) storefront for sale in my hometown of Luck, Wisconsin. My dream of having my own shop came true! I was wholesaling giftware to other gift shops, selling retail at my own shop and had my eye on a new building that came up for sale on a busy junction of two state highways. I moved there with my crew of three "elves" and we continued to add staff and more product offerings.
A second store was opened in Siren, WI, and a third at Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire, WI. I employed a total of 25 people at the height of our business days. Things were merrily going along when a TORNADO struck the village of Siren and the building my store was in was destroyed. Then the tragedy of 9-11 struck and the brakes slammed on for retailing and wholesaling. Not just for me but for many of my suppliers. The writing was on the wall. It was time to close the stores.
Luckily, other good things were in the making to make the change less disagreeable. My husband and I found our "dream home" in Pepin, WI, and we were going to move. Our "new" old house (we call our place "Catfish Corner"!) we could enjoy our peace and solitude, ride and train my horses and garden to my heart's content. I enjoyed those few years of retirement.
Ever since starting Etsy my work life has gone crazy! I received a request to make a clear glass box to hold photos. Many THOUSANDS of them later I'm still going strong (if not a bit tired) and I will have to wait to start my second retirement.
