We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexander Colon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexander, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success, to me, takes a combination of passion, consistency, hard work, and being open to new opportunities. Many people enter an industry by trying to replicate someone else’s success, but in my case, being the only glass studio in Miami meant there was no one doing exactly what I do. While other glass studios may exist, I haven’t encountered any that operate the way I do. I set out to build a community where none existed.

As a young artist with limited experience in glass, but holding a bachelor’s degree in finance from FIU, I decided to leverage my background to create something more than just relying on selling my art. I wanted financial stability, but I also wanted to provide something meaningful for the community. In the process, I not only built a space for people to experience and learn about glass art, but I also created a place for collaboration, events, and for younger artists to understand that while passion for art is essential, it’s also important to think beyond that to build a sustainable career.

When I started, there weren’t many artists willing to share information (which I completely understand), but that experience inspired me to take a different approach. Now, I’m always open to answering questions or making connections, regardless of whether it benefits me financially.

Alexander, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into glass art in my early 20s when I saw my first glass rig. For those who may not be familiar, a glass rig is similar to a bong but designed specifically for cannabis concentrates. What drew me to it was the idea that functional glass art was more accessible—it wasn’t just about creating something visually pleasing, but also about crafting pieces that people could use to create meaningful moments with friends and family.

I decided to open my studio because, after a couple of years of working alone, I realized how much I missed collaborating with other artists. I also saw my mentor, Willythatglassguy, attempt something similar with Glass House Miami, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. I wanted to create a space where artists could connect and grow together.

One of the main problems I solve is providing a place where people can learn about glass without needing to make a huge financial investment upfront. Getting started in this craft can be expensive, and I want to make it more accessible to those who are interested in learning.

What sets me apart is the unique balance I bring between my artistic passion and my background in finance. I approach my work not just with the creativity of an artist, but also with the strategic mindset of a businessperson. This allows me to create a space where art and business can coexist, which I think is important for sustaining a career in this industry.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built and the artists I’ve inspired. I love showing others that they can turn their passion for glass art into a sustainable career. Whether someone is pursuing this as a full-time job or just for the love of the craft, I put my heart into every conversation and try to offer guidance tailored to each individual’s unique situation.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my journey, I’ve faced many challenges—losing friends and family, starting my business during the pandemic, and navigating the ups and downs that come with it. There were times when I didn’t know if I could keep the lights on at the shop, moments of doubt and uncertainty. But what kept me going was the unwavering support from my family, my amazing girlfriend, friends, and shopmates. Their belief in me was a constant source of motivation, and it made me realize I wasn’t just doing this for myself—I was doing it for them, too. Their encouragement inspired me to keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things got. It’s been that sense of community and shared purpose that has fueled my resilience through it all.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After the pandemic, the glass art industry, like many others, took a major hit as people had less disposable income. Instead of giving up, I decided to pivot. I opened the shop to the public, not just for full-time artists. This shift allowed me to host classes and events, and it’s been incredible to see how they’ve grown beyond what I could have ever imagined. What started as a necessity turned into a thriving part of the business, allowing me to inspire and share my love for glass with far more people than I initially expected. It was a game-changer, and I’m grateful for the way it allowed me to connect with a wider community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Glassbubblemiami.com
• Instagram: AlexanderTheGreatGlass/ GlassBubbleMiami
• Facebook: Alexander Colon
• Youtube: GlassBubbleMiami

Image Credits

IG: senpai_bluez