In the village of Scotton, North Yorkshire, lies a cottage where creativity thrives. For Sarah Keeley-Norris (also affectionately known as The Glass Lady), glass fusing began as a passion and evolved into a successful business.
This article explores Sarah's inspiring journey from hobbyist to business owner and offers advice for aspiring artists looking to turn their passion into a thriving enterprise.
Discovering a Passion
Sarah's love for glass began with a fascination for its transformative qualities. "Glass has always fascinated me. There's something incredibly magical about its ability to transform light and colour," she recalls.
As we mentioned in our last blog post, Sarah’s journey into glass fusing began during a year-long stay in Australia. Initially drawn to glass blowing, she found her true calling in glass fusing at Blue Dog Glass in Melbourne.
"I booked a class, and from day one, I was hooked," Sarah says. The workshops at Blue Dog Studios provided her with the foundation she needed to master the craft and ignited her lifelong passion.
From Hobbyist to Entrepreneur
Returning to the UK, Sarah continued to hone her skills and began creating pieces for friends and family. What started as a hobby quickly gained traction as people admired her unique creations.
Encouraged by the positive feedback, Sarah decided to turn her passion into a business. She converted a part of her home into a studio and started offering workshops to share her love for glass fusing with others.
The Creative Process
A typical day in Sarah's studio is a blend of inspiration and meticulous work. "I usually have a project in mind, inspired by day-to-day things that I see or do," she explains. Sarah's creative process begins with a piece of clear glass, which she carefully cuts and builds upon with chosen colours.
Once satisfied with the design, she fires the piece in a kiln, eagerly awaiting the result. This hands-on approach allows her to produce unique and beautiful pieces, each telling its own story.
Building a Community
One of Sarah's motivations is to make glass fusing accessible to everyone. Her studio and equipment are available for hire, allowing those who have completed workshops to continue their journey without the expense of purchasing their own equipment.
"The passion for creating in glass and making this art form accessible to others is what drives me," Sarah says.
Her commitment to fostering a community extends beyond her studio. Sarah engages with the local and broader glass fusing community, running workshops for children, participating in local festivals, and sharing advice with fellow artists. One of the exciting upcoming events Sarah’s going to be attending is her pop-up shop.
Situated on the High Street of Knaresborough, Sarah will be opening the doors between the 5th and 11th August 2024 as part of Knaresborough's FEVA, where visitors and regulars alike can see what she’s created and book their own taster sessions, via her events page. You never know, you might end up hooked.
Memorable Moments
Sarah has had many rewarding experiences since starting her studio. The most recent, and by far the most exciting (potentially) so far this year, was being invited by Robson Green to take part in his BBC series, “Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes”.
Sarah was approached directly by the production company, and she spent the whole day with Robson and the rest of the crew at Newby Hall, showing Robson how to create their own fused glass artwork.
She’s recently handed over his creation, but she won’t give away too many secrets, it’s for him to reveal when the series is launched.
Even more exciting (breaking news alert here) is that after the success of filming, Newby Hall have commissioned Sarah to create bespoke gifts for their shop, which she’ll be working on over the coming weeks.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
For those looking to turn their passion into a business, Sarah offers valuable advice. "Love your art form, believe in yourself, and pass on your passion," she advises.
She emphasises the importance of learning from setbacks and not being harsh on oneself. "Remember that what may not be to your taste might be exactly what someone else loves," she adds.
Sarah encourages aspiring artists to push themselves to try more technical processes and not be afraid of failures, as they are steps on the journey to success.
Tips for Turning a Hobby into a Business
Passion and Commitment: Your love for your craft is the driving force behind your business. Stay committed and keep learning.
Start Small: Begin by creating pieces for friends and family. Use their feedback to improve your skills and gain confidence.
Build a Workspace: Create a dedicated space for your craft. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but it should be functional and inspiring.
Offer Workshops: Sharing your skills with others can be a great way to build a community and generate income.
Engage with the Community: Participate in local events, join online groups, and network with fellow artists. This can provide support, inspiration, and opportunities for collaboration.
Market Your Work: Use social media to showcase your creations and connect with potential customers. High-quality photos and engaging captions can make a big difference.
Be Patient: Building a business takes time. Celebrate small successes and keep moving forward, even when progress seems slow.
Learn to Delegate: If your business takes off as much as Sarah’s has, ask for help, and delegate things like social media management and blogging to a freelancer who can take on that responsibility.
Final Thoughts
Sarah’s journey from hobbyist to business owner is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
Her story shows that with dedication, creativity, and a willingness to share your art with others, you can turn a beloved hobby into a thriving business.
If you’re inspired by Sarah’s journey and want to explore the world of glass fusing, consider attending one of her two-hour taster sessions, or more the two-week beginner course.
Whether you’re a novice or an aspiring artist, Sarah’s studio offers a welcoming space to create, learn, and find joy in the art of glass fusing.
And keep an eye out for her feature on Robson Green’s BBC series “Weekend Escapes” for more inspiration.
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