3 minute read
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. 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.
WL: What do you like best about being at Holme Grange Craft Village? GS: This is the perfect environment for my craft with many other like-minded tenants and visitors. It’s a peaceful and tranquil place to be which enables me to be creative.
WL: What do you like best about Wokingham? GS: Its rural location - you don’t have to go far to be in the woods and surrounding fields.
WL: What do you do to relax? GS: I head to the beach, preferably with the sun shining so that I can lie out on my sun lounger with a glass on hand, reading a book.
WL: Who is your biggest inspiration? GS: I don’t really have one person that I am really inspired by but I admire people who have grown up with nothing and turned into extremely successful business entrepreneurs. WL: What is your future ambition? GS: To ensure as many people as possible can enjoy and experience the creativity of fused glass.
WL: It is lovely to speak with you today Gayle, and we wish you all the very best for the future.
FUSED GLASS COURSES
Want to relax, have fun and some glass therapy? No experience necessary. Book in now! These classes are either 3 hours or full day, designed for any level of experience. Using Bullseye transparent & opal art glass, you will learn all there is to know about fused glass & create your own stunning pieces of fused glass art. 6th August, 11-2pm - TEALIGHT WAVE - £70pp 13th August, 11-2pm - Powder Landscape - £70pp 10th September, 11-2pm - Small Picture - £70pp 17th September, 10.30am-3.30pm - Big Picture - £150pp 24th September, 11-2pm - Stained Glass Flowers in a Pot - £70pp 1st October, 11-2pm - Coasters - £70pp
Class sizes are limited to 7 adults to ensure individual attention. Price includes all materials & tea or coffee.
