Today we’d like to introduce you to Cathi Milligan.
Cathi, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
About 25 years ago I took a glass bead making class. Glass became my thing. It’s pretty much all I think about. Well, art and design play heavily in my thoughts regarding glass. I teach others about glass whether it’s glass bead making, kiln forming, or blowing. I like to use all techniques in the art I create. So that’s The Glass Studio. All That Remains Glass is a new company that produces memorial glass. Memorial glass is a means of memorializing a loved one that has been cremated. We have a multitude of options, paperweights, jewelry, beads…all with a little cremation ash. Pets or people…I also publish a monthly arts newspaper, LA Art News, yes, it’s print. You can find it online too at laartnews.com.
Has it been a smooth road?
No road is smooth. If it was there would be more small business owners. I started my brick and mortar business when the economy went south. And I’m not necessary. But I have survived and built a couple of other businesses along the way that provide opportunities for all of my businesses. You have to work long hours and be persistent.
I’ve had to move because my neighborhood became very popular and my landlords sold the building. Rent got raised significantly so I moved. Fortunately, I was able to stay in the same area but I know it could happen again. At some point, I will need to buy my own building.
Marketing is always challenging, especially in the internet…you learn.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The Glass Studio is a place to learn about glass. I teach others. I fabricate glass for artists and designers. I create functional art such as architectural elements, as well as plates and bowls. I make beads, which I’ve made the longest. I use them in my jewelry and sell them to other creators of jewelry.
All That Remains Glass is memorial glass. Cremation Remains in paperweights and jewelry items. I love being able to help people adjust to their loss and find the perfect keepsake to honor their loved one.
LA Art News connects artists and art to the good citizens of Los Angeles. It’s a monthly print newspaper that also lives online.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I’ve become an experience for many. People that want to try out glass blowing or some other technique in glass. As the economy moves away from retail in brick and mortars, people will look for more experiences. I provide some pretty cool ones. The other thing I have to my advantage is that while I’m not necessary, I’m unique. I can create things that most people can’t.
LA is the creative capital of the world. This is the best and worst place to start out. More opportunities…so many people. You need to be unique, stand out. And be good at what you do. Quality rules.
The city needs to make it easier to get permits, etc. A complaint stated by many a small business owner.
Pricing:
- Classes range from $50-$300
Contact Info:
- Address: 5668 York Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90042 - Website: theglassstudio.net
- Phone: 323-387-9705
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: theglassstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Glass-Studio
- Twitter: pixieindustries
- Yelp: The Glass Studio
