Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Lydia
Hi Katelyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Ever since elementary I either wanted to be a teacher or a business owner. I first followed my passion with pre-k education but found myself helping out at my Godmother and her husband’s stained glass shop. I instantly fell in love with working with glass. Everything turns out so magical. After a few years, it came time for my Godmother’s husband to retire and they offered to sell to me. A few short months later I became the 3rd owner of Stained Glass with Class LLC. The very first owners are actually related to my aunt and uncle!
It’s been about three and a half years of owning/running the business now and I absolutely love it. I have met so many wonderful people along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been fairly smooth. It seems there is always a new challenge, but the always constant one is trying to keep up with inventory and custom orders. Which I can’t complain about!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I create stained glass, fused glass, and sometimes mosaic glass items. Stained glass is what I mainly focus on and is what the shop is known for. Although, the fused ornaments and nightlights have become quite popular.
We make as much of our inventory for the gift shop as we can. This includes stained glass panels, suncatchers, picture frames, ornaments, night lights, plant stakes, glass wildlife on driftwood, and much more.
Aside from keeping the gift shop stocked, we also do custom orders and teach classes everyday that the shop is open.
I feel that my classes set me apart from others because it is open enrollment and students are able to go at their own pace. I can only fit a handful of people everyday, so the weeks fill up quickly!
How do you think about luck?
I got lucky with my supportive family and friends.
My location is also lucky for me. It has a ton of window space and the building is on a busy highway.
Being in an artsy community has been cool too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stainedglasswithclassllc.com
- Instagram: stainedglasswithclassllc
- Facebook: Stained Glass with Class LLC
- Other: stainedglassgrandrapids@gmail.com
