We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Melanie Cech – Sumner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Melanie , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My purpose found me in a way…..sort of by fate. I saw someone flameworking in a mall back in 1988 and was intrigued by the flame and the glass and how he was able to pull a sculpture out of clear glass rods with just his hands. It really was fascinating! Being a very inquisitive person, I asked about the torch, where to get the glass, and what was needed. I was also a natural entrepreneur in that I always wanted to do my own thing and found a sort of power and purpose in creating my own artwork, which in turn, created my own income for myself, even though it was a struggle. I didn’t know I would be good at it, but I knew I was drawn to it, and it turned into a passion.
Purpose is the reason you get up in the morning and work hard to fulfill a need or a realize a dream. The work itself is satisfying because of the end result which is a beautiful piece of glass that captures a particular moment in time when it was made. My work challenges my creativity, my abilities, my talent, and my mental and physical strength. My purpose is to create and share something of beauty into the world and into the marketplace. My purpose is also to share my interest and knowledge about flameworking and the process of this unique artform and expand my personal brand. Through my dedication, I hope to be an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs and artists that are eager to find their own passion and strive to be successful at it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a flamework glass artist that specializes in detailed, sea life sculptures, inspired by my Florida surroundings. Life is quite different and unique for me because life is based around my home studio where all of the magic happens! Instead of working at a computer or driving to an office, I work behind a 3000-degree torch where most of the year it is over 100 degrees in the workshop! My job is to create as many beautiful pieces of glass sculptures and jewelry as possible to keep up with my orders, art shows, and exhibits. I work as a solo artist and primarily operate my business by myself, so being self-inspired is key to my success, as well as keeping my energy level up! I have an inner drive that keeps me going, and my customer’s appreciation and delight when they see their finished piece adds to my excitement.
Since I am a self-taught artist with no formal training, I’ve been able to develop my own style and technique over the years which has helped me find my niche in the industry of glass art and have a recognizable brand.
Over the last couple of years, I have been teaching Beginning Flameworking classes at the Morean Glass Studio in St. Petersburg, FL. I will also be showcasing a piece at a new exhibit at the Chihuly Museum from September – December 2023. Before the end of the year, I will be completing and launching my virtual classes/sessions, “Beginning Techniques in Flameworked Glass”, that will be available through my website MelanieCechGlass.com. I will also be exhibiting at the Maitland Art Under the Stars art show on Nov. 10-12th in Maitland, Florida. My sculptures can also be found at many galleries and gift stores in Florida that are listed on my website.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Imagination and artistic vision- I like to think I have a great imagination and can visualize things easily; I enjoy processes and like working with my hands.
2. I have a hard work ethic – Whatever job or task I’ve taken on or started, I’ve tried to do with 100% effort and to the best of my ability. I usually go the extra mile!
3. Resilience – We all have hurdles and bumps along the way that aren’t always anticipated, and I’ve had my share of life struggles. But being resourceful, resilient and decisive has always helped me get through them and bounce back. I think being flexible in life is one of the most important things!
My first piece of advice for younger people who are early in their journey is to have a balanced approach in life. If you spend a lot of time looking at social media and scrolling through what other people do, you will never have time to develop your own unique style or find your path. Pay attention to your own intuition and what you choose to focus on. Spend equal time developing your personal and business relationships because they are important to your mental health and growth. Also, make time for yourself, set goals, and stick to them. If those goals need to change because of circumstances, be flexible and pivot as quickly as possible. Don’t waste time on things or people that don’t serve a purpose in your life and your future goals.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
As I continue to work on custom, more elaborate pieces and projects, I would love to collaborate with Interior Designers or anyone that is looking for custom artwork for their homes. I enjoy partnering and consulting with people in designing unique pieces that will enhance a shelving unit, table, or space in a room. Contact me through my website, Cech Glass Facebook page, Instagram, or just call me and we can start the process! Custom orders usually take about 4-8 weeks to complete.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melaniecechglass.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cechglassdesigns
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melaniecechglass
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-cech-78390476
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOcmWTAmd5G3_tt4ULDP2sw
Image Credits
Images – Madison Plummer
