Meet Stephanie Agatonovic

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Agatonovic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephanie, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

For years, I was a painter-oil paint was my medium of choice. But then, I started a family, and the chemicals in the studio became too much to be around. So, for a while, I was just “mom.” My creative pursuits were put on hold-or maybe, just evolving. I learned to sew to make my kids’ Halloween costumes, took up crochet to make hats to keep them warm, and always kept crayons and paper on hand for spontaneous art sessions to fill the fridge with new creations.

As my kids grew older, they needed me a little less, and that gave me the space to dip my toes back into painting. It wasn’t long before I found myself watching YouTube videos on stained glass. The moment I saw it, I thought, I need to try this. I ordered a basic glass-cutting set and picked up some window glass at the hardware store. Scoring and breaking glass felt thrilling. I could transform a simple piece of glass into something beautiful and unique. Before I knew it, I was investing in a glass grinder and buying colorful sheets of stained glass.

For most of my creative journey, I had made art for myself or as gifts for family and friends. But stained glass has opened new doors for me. Now, I’m making pieces that people (strangers) actually want to own. At the end of 2023, I started selling my stained glass art. Meeting other artists and interacting with market shoppers has been a huge source of inspiration and motivation.

Creativity isn’t always a smooth ride. Sometimes, inspiration feels distant. But building a community of fellow artists has been invaluable for keeping the flow going. Conversations with other creators and seeing their work sparks new ideas in me. I also turn to museums and art books when I need to reconnect with my creativity. Taking art classes that introduce me to new mediums has been one of the best ways to keep my imagination alive.

I’m what you might call an “older artist.” Yes, I’ve been creating for decades, but it wasn’t until I hit my 40s that people started showing interest in my work. There’s something about reaching a certain age that shifts your perspective—you care less about what others think, and you find the freedom to take risks that once seemed too daunting.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist. I earned my BA in Art Education, but after graduation, life took me in a different direction. I got married and began looking for a teaching job, but opportunities were limited. So, I ended up in an office doing data entry, just trying to make ends meet. I worked hard and moved up in the company, chasing the so-called “dream.” Through it all, I never stopped painting or creating crafts, usually for my home.

Then, my partner and I had a son. He became our everything. Eventually, I was able to leave the job that barely covered childcare expenses and became a stay-at-home mom. Shortly after, we were expecting another baby. For years, it was all about them. During nap times, I’d find a moment to squeeze in a painting here and there, but it was mostly about the kids.

As they grew more independent, I had the time to get back to creating for fun. That’s when I discovered stained glass. This new medium ignited my creativity in ways I hadn’t imagined, opening doors I never thought I’d walk through.

Years before diving into stained glass, I had created a brand for an Etsy shop. It started as a way to try to sell some paintings and accessories I made during my kids’ nap times. Since my inspiration comes from all sorts of places, I chose the word “eclectic” to represent that. I often described my favorite color as “funky green” to my kids, “funky” seemed like the perfect fit. Thus, Funky Eclectic was born. Over time, the brand became known for stained glass art and patterns for other glass artists.

After a few years of refining my craft, I gained the confidence to share my art with others. My first market was a school craft fair, where the community was so welcoming. Their support helped build my confidence and push me to where I am today. Now, my art is featured in three local stores, and I continue to participate in pop-up shops and markets across Northeast Ohio. One of my favorite things to create are custom pet portraits – each one is unique and a true labor of love. While most of my work is local, it’s always a joy to fulfill orders for people in other states.

Through my stained glass, I hope to bring a modern twist to an art form that has often been seen as either a hobby for grandparents or something exclusive to churches. I want to make it more accessible and show that it can be vibrant, contemporary, and full of possibility.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three key factors have had the biggest impact on advancing my art career: a constant desire to learn new skills, staying open and honest, and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

The more you learn, the more your creativity grows. Whether it’s through reading, taking classes, or simply experimenting, new ideas and skills naturally emerge. This mindset has been essential in fueling my artistic journey.

Being open and honest has also played a huge role. I’ve found that when I’m true to myself and approachable, it opens the door to meaningful collaborations and better opportunities. It’s helped me build strong relationships with fellow artists and clients alike.

The hardest part, of course, is stepping out of your comfort zone. The first time I did an in-person pop-up, it felt terrifying. But once I took that leap, it became easier, and I found myself connecting with so many like-minded makers. It taught me that growth often happens when you’re willing to face the fear and just go for it.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Though my parents divorced when I was just four, they both continued to nurture my creativity in their own unique ways. My mom would always stock me up with sketchbooks and art supplies, and she made every Halloween costume I dreamed up. She even taught me how to wield a hot glue gun like a pro. My dad, on the other hand, shared his artistic knowledge with me, showing me techniques and letting me spend hours in his woodshop, crafting and experimenting.

Support, I’ve learned, often comes in small gestures, but those moments can make all the difference. When I needed to make a quilt for a textiles class in college, my mom was right there, ready to help me sew it together. And when I had to build a six-foot wooden canvas that could break down to fit in my car, my dad was on it, turning my vision into reality.

Those acts of support, whether big or small, truly mean everything to me.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Where do you get your work ethic from?

We’ve all heard the phrase “work hard, play hard,” but where does our work ethic

Tactics & Strategies for Keeping Your Creativity Strong

With the rapid improvements in AI, it’s more important than ever to keep your creativity

From Burnout to Balance: The Role of Self-Care

Burning out is one of the primary risks you face as you work towards your