Five Minutes With: Gayle Sparks ~ Enchanting Glass Designs Jacqui Priestley, owner and editor of Wokingham Local magazine spends 5 minutes with Gayle Sparks, entrepreneur and business owner of Enchanting Glass Designs, based at Holme Grange Craft Village in Wokingham. WL: When did you know you wanted to become a business owner and entrepreneur? GS: Whilst working full time in a corporate environment I became aware that my life revolved 100% around my company and that I had a poor work life balance and therefore needed to find something for me. Glass is what I found and then I dreamt of teaching the art when I retired. WL: How did you get the idea for your business? GS: Upon being made redundant I took my dream to another level. I wanted to not only teach but successfully sell my art too, and whilst doing craft fairs and pop up exhibitions it became evident that I could have my own shop front. 14
WL: How do you come up with new ideas for your business? GS: Every day inspirations from what I see driving to work, to being out and about, but also being inspired by others through meeting many people, and social media. WL: What motivates you? GS: My achievements and my pieces of art along with my long-standing customers. WL: What is the best piece of advise you have been given? GS: Never give up, keep believing in yourself and hard work reaps rewards. WOKINGHAM LOCAL • JULY / AUGUST 2022
