We were lucky to catch up with Erin Drago recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Sooner. It’s funny if I look back….my younger self said she’d never work in an office. And then I stumbled into a 20 year career in business operations, and there I was behind a desk all the time. It became normal, and those dreams of a creative career were buried. That is why I started Farmhouse Glass. I had a craft that I knew was unique, a reignited creative fire and a desire to build something for myself and my family that was outside of the box.

Erin, 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?

Hi, my name Is Erin, artist and owner of Farmhouse Glass. I hand paint glass baubles with an adapted acrylic pour method. My work is unique, creative, vibrant and my color palettes are bold and ever changing. This is a craft I picked up as a child, always noodling around with them gifting to friends and family. My technique has evolved over the years and now with my skills sharpened, I sell them to the public.

When I was stuck at home with the world in 2020, and getting ready to move back to my hometown of Sacramento, I decided it was now or never. I had dreamt of selling these for years and never pulled the trigger. So, I built my Etsy shop and off I went. The orders trickled in and as soon as I got to Sacramento I dove right into the local markers market. I now participate in popup markets and art shows locally, and have plans to launch my own website later this year. Custom work is a favorite of mine, I have crafted endless collections (sets, as I call them) for individual customers, small businesses and large corporations.

My creativity pushes me beyond painting glass and I am currently working with a ceramic mentor. I plan to add functional ceramic art to my lineup later this year.

I try to use Farmhouse Glass not only as a place to sell my art, but also as a platform to promote other small businesses and encourage people to shop locally and mindfully. As I look to the future and know that Farmhouse Glass is going to evolve. I see having a permanent space one day…an artist collective, a farm stand…perhaps both. The glass will always be a cornerstone, but I can’t wait to continue on my ceramic journey and take my art to the next level.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

As a brand new small business I knew from the start that a strong and consistent social media presence was absolutely necessary. Quite honestly, it scared me. But I knew it was going to be a major component for growth. If used properly the tool of social media is powerful. It’s free and you gain access to an almost endless audience. I have fount that consistency is key. Be there every day for your followers. Put your art, your purpose, your story out there for the world to see and you will cultivate a community. You will find your people. Outside of my small Etsy shop, my social media presence has contributed to the my growth. I’ve found wholesale clients, corporate clients, other creatives to collaborate with, and most importantly like-minded people. It doesn’t happen over night, and it definitely takes a lot of work, but the return is so worth it.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Shopping small and locally is so important. I feel that we have gotten away from that in day-to-day life in America. I think we as a society need to take a step back and look at the effects of supporting big box companies. They serve their purpose, but small businesses and creatives bring life and color to a community. They ARE the community. If you take a look around at the small guy in town, I think you’ll find that the product has a lot more heart and longevity than anything you can pick up off a big box online order. Live, shop and gift with care and thoughtfulness, your creative and small business community will thank you, and your community will thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.farmhouseglassco.etsy.com
• Instagram: @farmhouse.glass

Image Credits
Portraits by Kayla Charlis Photography