Meet Your Merchant: Glass blowers’ shop offers more than pipes

Andrew and Taylen Whitt with baby Paisley.
Provided

When did your business start?

Like many other businesses we started small, but within only a couple short years we’ve blossomed into a self-sustaining masterpiece. Mountain Relics has gone a long way from blowing glass in our 50-square-foot shed to building a following that has given us the opportunity to open our own retail space. We are owned by glassblowers and growers loyal to the arts and inspired by the magic of mother nature.

What do you sell?

We’re not your ordinary head shop. As an artist collective and botanical playground we offer so much more than a pipe to smoke from. We offer an experience. Alongside our custom glass, we carry everything from CBD to tie dyes. Almost all the items in our shop are sourced locally from artists living and working in colorful Colorado.

Why do you like what you do?

That’s simple: We are living our dream. As artists, we feel so blessed to have the chance to share our work with the world. We even get to shine some light on our fellow creative friends, and that feels good.

What strategy do you use to hire good people?

We are a literal “mom and pop” shop, all family run for now.

What is your plan for growth in the next year?

We plan to bring an element of growth and recovery to the table. By ski season our oxygen bar will be dissolving hangovers and altitude sickness. In addition to the new store, we are currently building a state-of-the-art glassblowing studio that will house multiple artist stations. Equipped with the space for demonstrations, and the ability to offer multi-faceted mixed media classes. We want to create an inspiring workspace and educate others on the art of glassblowing.

What is the best thing about running a business here?

Mingling with the locals and meeting new artists in the area is definitely one of our favorite aspects. We love Glenwood Springs.

via:: Post Independent