We recently connected with Dara Alper and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dara, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

I started in my career as a glassblower. During the pandemic, I was unable to use the studio. I really wanted to gain skills that would keep me employed through any future crises, and so I decided to earn my welding certificate! The way molten metal moved was so similar to molten glass. After working as a welder for 2 years, my artistic side needed to be nourished. When I realized there was no glassblowing education or opportunities in my new city of Greensboro, I decided to change this. My love of the molten arts led me to the name: Molten Makerspace.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My story began in 2012 when I fell in love with molten glass. I was a sophomore in high school and was encouraged to take a class at our local community college. When I saw that glassblowing was one of the options, I knew I had to try it! From there, it was game over- I had found my passion. I went on to earn my BFA in glassblowing from Kent State University. Post-graduation, I had many wonderful opportunities to work with glass all over the country and world, including Murano Italy! Fast forward to 2020… I was an intern at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio and waiting tables for money. When the studio and restaurant both closed, I decided it was time to go to trade school. I had always enjoyed welding. The way the molten metal moved reminded me of glass. Because of this similarity, this was the trade I decided to become certified in. Shortly after the program completion, I was hired as a welder to build glass blowing equipment for Wet Dog Glass. For nearly two years, I fabricated furnaces, kilns, and more for national and international glassblowing studios.
My love for welding grew to match my love for glassblowing. However, I missed the creativity and community of being an artist. At the same time, I knew there weren’t any glassblowing studios in the Triad area.
Teaching is a huge passion of mine. Helping someone develop skills, grow confidence, and embrace their creativity is extremely rewarding! This is why I decided to start Molten Makerspace. Molten Makerspace focuses on education, entertainment, and career development. We teach glassblowing and welding, as well as providing education and resources to allow others to create a career with these skills!

Do you have multiple revenue streams – if so, can you talk to us about those streams and how your developed them?

While the primary mission of Molten Makerspace is education, we have a diversified list of offerings! For example, we offer teambuilding activities. Sharing the experience of melting glass with a flame, and creating something together, really fosters strong teamwork! We also offer entertainment. Having live flameworking at an event will definitely make it unforgettable. We also sell merchandise and gift cards.

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

Deciding to leave the security of a full-time job has been equally terrifying and exciting! My background is in art, not business. Unfortunately, art school does not teach you how to turn your craft into a business. Figuring out the proper way to handle all aspects of a business has a steep learning curve. However, I am grateful for this struggle, as it will allow me to help my students and other artists overcome these same challenges!

Contact Info:

• Website: Moltenmakerspace.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/moltenmakerspace?igshid=YTE3OXR2M3ZvZTUx
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092158629293&mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/JwIVv6lhtm
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moltenmakerspace?_t=8hKooiXZ095&_r=1