She was born in the big city (Toronto), raised in a small town (Georgetown), came of age in the suburbs (London) and moved to Ottawa for love. As a young woman, raising two children she was always busy with her hands, learning to cook, keep a home. She was musical as a teen, but discovered her creative self in her 20’s, taking up sewing, pottery, batik and macramé… remember that!? When she re-connected with the work force she sought out careers in visual merchandising, store display and design, interior decorating, as well as continuing education in Interior Design.

Then just before her 40th birthday she discovered glass. Sensuous, dangerous, beautiful hot glass. Once she’d talked to a local glass artist and offered her services in the shop (everyone needs a start) there was no turning back. Out of the home in the suburbs of Kanata and into a small apartment in the Glebe.

Just before her 40th birthday, she took a glassblowing class, and never looked back. She worked with local artists and offered her services in the shop for the opportunity to learn. After years of training, her natural ability with glass became evident, and her passion to learn and evolve her art became her focus.

It took three years before she was confident enough to sell her creations and 10 years before building her own studio in Merrickville, Ont. Her business “Kiss My Glass’ based in a major tourist town on the Rideau Canal System encompasses a retail, wholesale and teaching facility.

As she has moved through this process she was increasingly focused on the teaching aspect of blown glass, developing workshops at several levels. Partnering with Melody Jewitt, moving the shop to Ottawa, and a name change to Flo Glassworks is an exciting next step. She will be able to share her love of glass with students and other artists alike. What a journey!