Woman Who is introducing you to Woman Who Achieves Academy Members in the 12 Days of Christmas features.
Each feature will include a little about the featured member and what they are promoting right now. You may even pick up a Christmas gift or two. It’s also a great opportunity to find out more about these amazing women in business.
Introducing today’s Academy Member feature Jackie Monk of Grace Glass
Jackie was a Finalist in the Just Starting Out Category of Woman Who Achieves & Solopreneur Awards 2021.
Tell me a little about you and what you do?
I am a fused glass artist, working with warm glass techniques where glass is kiln-formed to make a range of unique pieces. I sell from my website, at events and through retailers and galleries.
I create homewares, gifts and wall art. As I also paint, I use glass paints and powders to create seascapes and other unique glass art. I am inspired by the ocean and trees. I often receive feedback that my work is ‘beautifully different’ and have made a wide range of interesting and very personal commission pieces for my customers.
What has been your stand out moment of 2021?
I have been glassmaking for years but only started my business Grace Glass in 2021.
My stand out moment was being a stall-holder at the large and wonderful Art In the Park Festival in Leamington Spa in August. I have visited the event many times and dreamed of how lovely it would be to be there as an artist. So, it was such a special moment for me to be there with my glass and receive such great feedback. I was quite emotional – it was a real ‘pinch me’ moment!
What or who would you like to see under your Christmas Tree this year?
Either a puppy or a bigger glass kiln!! I don’t expect to get either….but having a happy and healthy family around the tree will be good enough. It’s been a tough year for many, and I don’t take for granted the good fortune of health and family at Christmas.
What are you promoting right now?
I am currently attending Festive Artisan events with the Grace Glass Christmas Collection. I have a range of lovely contemporary tableware in white, berry, teal and grape with hand-painted gold trees. I have a range of fused glass tree decorations and many gift pieces. Stocking fillers and cards from as little as £7.50, along with hand-painted animal art and a range of special and unique gifts. I am loving selling these at events and have been overwhelmed with the response.
What are you looking forward to most in 2022?
I am very excited to be rebranding Grace Glass in the new year. I will continue to make my fused glass range but will be focusing on my ocean themed work and creating hand-painted fused glass seascapes and freestanding pieces of art. I am also looking forward to attending more glass courses to extend my knowledge and techniques. It’s great to keep learning!
What’s your favourite Christmas song?
Band Aid – Do they know it’s Christmas.
I remember the impact the song had when it was first released and the money it raised for charity. More personally, for many years my husband and I hosted a huge party for our friends at Christmas (pre-Covid) and we always had a big sing-along. We sang this song as the finale, and I allocated each family a couple of lines from the song each – it was great fun. Happy memories.
Find out more about Jackie. Just click an image below
Jackie is a member of the Woman Who Achieves Academy. If you would like to receive opportunities like this, take a look at the Woman Who Achieves Academy today.