Haute Living talks Small Business Saturday with Annie
Haute Living chose Annie to represent Small Business Saturday
Read the whole story here.
Why is small business Saturday important to business owners?
It gives small businesses more of a level playing field with the major businesses and online businesses, allowing for us to stand out and show off our specialties.
What advice do you have for people who are just starting out with their small business?
Keep your standards unrealistically high and people will notice. Give yourself enough of a cushion—two years before you start paying back any sort of a loan and market like crazy.
How has the market changed since she started 30 years ago?
Yes, it does change every few years with different generations, regional tastes, trends, etc.
Do you think glass crafting is a dying art?
Yes, absolutely! It’s terribly difficult to do and “many are called but few are chosen” that is why it’s so unique. People are always so curious because its not very well-known, yet it is an ancient art.
Do you feel today’s young people have an appreciation for glass?
They have a keen appreciation for anything handcrafted. I think the science of making glass is also very appealing to the curious.
How does it feel when you come across one of your pieces in an unexpected place?
It makes me giddy with joy to see it! The first time it happened was at the Smithsonian. I had no idea how it would be displayed or even if it would be. Two pieces from my Shells Collection, Coquina and Tiburon, are on permanent display in the Luce Foundation Collection of American Craft at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. The Luce Foundation Collection opened in 2006 in the former patent office and adjacent to the National Portrait Gallery, and was intended as a study area for research into American contemporary craft and folk artists. As such, each piece is displayed as artifacts for study. The Coquina and Tiburon are made of frosted and sandblasted glass with a hand-painted 24K gold edge.
