We recently connected with Janel Foo and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Janel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?

My journey with Stained Glass Supplies began in the quaint Eagle Rock store, where as a novice stained glass enthusiast, I instantly connected with the cozy, mom-and-pop ambiance. The palpable creativity that filled every nook, coupled with the warm presence of Ron, the owner at the time, captured my heart from the start.

As my passion for stained glass blossomed, I became a regular patron, immersing myself in the vibrant community and honing my skills through classes offered by the shop. Over the years, I forged strong bonds with both the staff and Ron, developing a deep appreciation for the shop’s legacy.

When news of Ron’s impending retirement after 45 years hit, I found myself grappling with the uncertain future of the beloved establishment. It was during this time that my husband made a seemingly audacious suggestion – for me to take the reins. Initially dismissing the idea, I found myself increasingly drawn to the prospect as I reflected on my own connection to the shop and its significance in my life.

After receiving encouragement from peers and carefully deliberating the decision, I embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. Despite the added challenge of navigating this new role while tending to the demands of impending motherhood – I was pregnant at the time – I knew deep down that this was the path I was meant to pursue.

Though initially slated for a transition shortly after my son’s birth, I opted to postpone until he was six months old, allowing me to better navigate the dual responsibilities of nurturing both my newborn and the shop. While the transition posed its share of challenges, I approached it with determination and unwavering commitment, fueled by the desire to preserve the shop’s legacy and honor Ron’s dedication.

Embracing this new chapter in my life, I stepped into my role as the owner of Stained Glass Supplies with enthusiasm and dedication, ready to carry forward its rich tradition of creativity and community.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

With a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising from San Francisco State University, I initially worked as a wardrobe stylist in the entertainment industry before seeking new avenues for artistic expression. Enrolling in a Jewelry Design program sparked a new interest in me, and it was during one of my classes that I discovered my love for crafting stained glass pieces. Through years of dedication and practice, I established Janel Foo Glassworks in 2015, designing and creating every handmade piece from my home base in Pasadena.

I founded Create to Stop Hate, an initiative focused on fundraising and spotlighting the AAPI creative community in response to anti-Asian hate that raised over $50,000 for Stop AAPI Hate through a series of auctions. My work has been showcased in notable publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Marthastewart.com, and T Magazine from The New York Times. I have also collaborated on projects with West Elm, The Natural History Museum, The Hammer Museum and Nordstrom. I had the opportunity to compete and take home the “Winner” title in the first season of Meet Your Makers Showdown, on Discovery +. It was an incredible experience and I had the chance to showcase my skills against some of the best makers in the industry.

The biggest moment for me came at the end of 2022 and I became the new owner of Stained Glass Supplies in Pasadena. This shop has been around since 1977, and it was a big deal for me to take over. I’m excited to keep providing top-notch supplies and great customer service to everyone who walks through our doors. We offer classes, help with custom glass cutting for windows, cabinets and light fixtures, and a friendly community vibe for everyone who comes in.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I oversee a team of four individuals, all of whom I am fortunate to have on board. They are incredibly trustworthy, reliable, and capable of working independently. Most of them were already part of the team when I took over, with just one addition that I hired shortly afterward.

I strive to foster a relaxed and low-stress atmosphere in our workplace, which is particularly conducive to creativity. I believe my ability to manage stress and maintain a calm demeanor contributes to this environment. Treating my staff with the utmost respect is paramount to me. I show my appreciation in various ways, such as occasionally buying them treats, meals or coffee. Additionally, I provide them access to our classroom space and studio tools for personal projects whenever they want to use it. My goal is to cultivate a sense of camaraderie and make our workplace feel like a family.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

Becoming a shop owner has been a profound learning curve for me. It’s a significant shift from being solely an artist, managing my own schedule. I’ve had to grasp concepts like payroll, staff management, inventory control, and financial management.

I distinctly recall the previous owner mentioning that the toughest aspect of running the shop is keeping everything well-stocked. It’s been a constant challenge to stay on top of inventory and ensure we have sufficient funds for it. One particularly nerve-wracking moment was when I delayed reordering glass for too long, resulting in us needing a 10-crate shipment instead of our usual 4. I was apprehensive about the financial strain it might cause, but we managed to navigate through it successfully. That experience taught me a valuable lesson, and I’m committed to never letting it happen again.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pasadenastainedglass.com, www.janelfoo.com
• Instagram: @pasadenastainedglass, @janelfoo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pasadenastainedglass
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stained-glass-supplies-pasadena

Image Credits
Mathew Scott