Leanne, Founder of Glass and Glitter Gifts

Tell me a little about yourself and how you got started.

I started off sewing when I was a young girl, making quilts and clothes for fun. Then moved on to design and giftware. I graduated with a business degree in hopes to one day run my own business. I worked in the sales and service industry for 10 years, then found the opportunity to turn my hobby into a full time job.

Out of all your products, which one is your personal favorite, and why?

Currently, my personal favorite items to make are ceramic ornaments, I get to do fun, colorful designs, as well as sometimes special keepsakes.

What sets your business apart from others alike?

I do both personal sales and design, as well as wholesale to shops and retailers, which affords me the opportunity to work with a wide array of substrates. I work as a designer as well as with hundreds of other designers to offer a range of products.

If you could jump back in time to when you first started your business, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

I’d tell myself not to worry so much about where I’m headed, and just enjoy the process.

Were there ever any times when you wanted to throw in the towel and call it quits? How did you deal with it?

Several times when our young family was struggling I thought about going back to work for someone else….but I knew that I didn’t want to go back to that. This is much more fulfilling and lets me spend more time with my family.

How do you spend your time when you’re not creating?

I’m an introvert at heart, I make puzzles, do non-work-related crafts, and read lots. Design is one of my hobbies, even though it’s also my work.

What are some of your favorite things about the town or city you live in?

Eastern Passage reminds me of my home town…. Fishing boats and that small-town feel. My favorite part is going to the waterfront on weekend mornings with my husband and having a coffee by the water.

Who’s the person, dead or alive, that you would want to have over for dinner?

Audrey Hepburn. She is one of my favorite actresses as well as an amazing philanthropist and all-around queen of kindness.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Water bending….I’m a big Avatar: The Last Airbender fan.

If you weren’t a maker, what would you be doing?

I would likely be a financial counsellor.