Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Speicher.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Indianapolis and started coming up to Chicago with my family at a very young age. I’ve always considered it my second home. My Great Uncle, Frank Hoffman, lived here in from 1930-1980. He was a painter and mural artist in Chicago. He lived and worked in Old Town and taught and exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago. He was my mentor and we would visit him often in Old Town in one of the Wisconsin Row townhouses he and my Great Aunt had rehabbed in the 40’s. There were murals of his on every wall and treasures from their international travels all of their home. He encouraged me to be creative, pay attention to details, dream and to embrace my artistic side.
After receiving my BFA from Alfred University in 1992 I travelled the country finally choosing Seattle, WA as my home. During my seven years there I focused on my glasswork, teaching at Pratt Fine Arts Center and assisting and studying with local and international glass artists.
I then decided to return to school to get my Masters so I could teach at the college level. In 2004, I received my MFA from the University of Illinois. My teaching career first took me to the University of Miami in Miami, FL where I taught 3D Design. I then taught at the Cleveland Institute of Art in the Glass Department before moving to Chicago, IL after my solo show at the Museum of Surgical Science in 2006. I wanted to get back to my artistic and Midwest roots and what better place to be than the city where my appreciation of art began.
After a few years in Chicago working at non-profits, teaching part-time at NEIU and making flameworked beads and fused glass on the side I wanted to see if I could make it as an artist/studio owner full time. My desire to teach more, make more of my own work and have a space where people could create, is what drove me to open my new studio, Chicago Glass Collective, in 2012. I noticed that there were really no studios in Chicago where glass artists could rent space or equipment for flameworking or kilnforming. I found myself surrounded by newer glass artists looking for a place to do their work and be part of a community. Suddenly, I found myself opening a studio for these folks.
With lots of support and encouragement from studio members, students, family and friends, Chicago Glass Collective will be celebrating its 5th year in business from September, at the Ravenswood Art Walk, to November when we have our anniversary party.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting a business without any real business experience has definitely been a challenge and an obstacle. I took the leap in 2012 to start my own business and have been learning every day since. It’s been the most exciting time in my life and also the hardest. I wouldn’t change any of it! The learning curve was huge when I first started. How do I get the word out about the studio? How do I price classes correctly? How many different revenue streams should I have (selling glass, renting time, teaching classes, selling glasswork made by studio members) so I don’t depend on only one thing to keep the studio going?
I’ve had so many people share their entrepreneurial experiences and expertise with me that things have gotten easier on many levels. I don’t feel like I am constantly playing catch up anymore, which is a relief. However, unforeseen challenges pop up from time to time which force to think on my feet and solve the problem. The most important thing to me is customer service and making sure that people feel like they have learned something new, had fun and an inspiring creative experience.
I look forward to continuing this adventure for many years to come. I want to always to learn more about owning a business and how to better run my studio so I can expand the ways I approach every new obstacle and challenge. I want to continue to grow as a person as my business grows. It’s always exciting and inspiring!
Please tell us about Chicago Glass Collective.
Chicago Glass Collective is a community-based glass art studio in historic Ravenswood dedicated to celebrating the versatile medium of glass through educational workshops, classes, lectures and dedicated studio space for new and experienced glass artists.
Our studio is a welcoming spot to learn about kilnformed and flameworked glass, exchange ideas, make art, experiment and share the enthusiasm and knowledge of glass techniques in the hope that it will encourage and inspire others to create. We love to teach people who think they “don’t have a creative bone in their bodies” that they can indeed make something beautiful and unique out of glass.
Chicago Glass Collective’s small but mighty gallery contains innovative glass work including functional and sculptural fused glass and handmade jewelry made up of flameworked glass beads and fused components. All work in the gallery is made by local Chicago-based glass artists who are members of the studio.
“Pushing the boundaries of conventional artwork, this Chicago Glass Collective features one-of-a-kind pieces that will easily dress up any room. This store features stunning works of handcrafted art that are easy on any eye.” -Groupon
“THANK YOU for a DEELIGHTFUL time yesterday.
Not only did I learn something, and produce something, I had
a really great time, Leslie made it a wonderful experience!” – Sherry, first-time student
“This class was really fun! The environment was really relaxed and encouraged creativity. All of the participants in the class had fun together creating unique pieces of functional art. Leslie was very helpful and did a short overview on what everything is and how it works before letting us run wild. It was cool to see how everyone took the same tools and materials and created vastly different pieces.” – Alison, first-time student
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Some of my favorite childhood memories revolve around my long distance correspondence with my Great Uncle while he and my Great Aunt travelled around the world. We used to visit them in Chicago and at his studio in Lakeside, MI which was wonderful but when I received an envelope or package from my great uncle it was like getting a beautiful birthday present every time.
We used to exchange drawings instead of writing letters to each other. Sometimes I would draw a picture for him and he would make a watercolor with a similar theme send back with a short note. He would also sketch drawings of his travels so I would be able to “travel with him”. Sometime he would send me a doll from places like Morocco, Japan and Poland along with his “picture” letters.
I still have all of the drawings and now some of his travel journals and passports. The way we communicated until he passed away, when I was eleven, was unique and inspiring. I really believe that it’s one of the main reasons I keep dreaming, creating, traveling.
Pricing:
- Class and workshop pricing is $25+ depending on length of class and technique
- Prices for our glass pieces and jewelry in our gallery, made by our local artists, range from $10-$100+
Contact Info:
- Address: 1770 W. Berteau Ave
203B
Chicago, IL 60613 - Website: www.chicagoglasscollective.com
- Phone: 2165432329
- Email: leslie@chicagoglasscollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiglasscollective
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicagoGlassCollective
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/chiglasscollect
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chicago-glass-collective-chicago
Image Credit:
Leslie Speicher
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