Decorating With Glassybaby

Written by Anne-Marie Nash

**glassybaby in “thoughtful” | Source:** **glassybaby.com**

Two things to know about me: I love home decor and I love giving back to my community and making a positive impact in the world. I have been so blessed to find something that comprises both of these loves: it is a company called glassybaby.

About 12 years ago, I discovered the lovely votives pictured above in an article in Sunset Magazine. After a must-see tour of their factory in Seattle, WA, I was hooked! These colorful, handblown vessels, which serve as candle votives, drinking cups, or even small vases, are not just beautiful, but have a higher calling - 10% from the sale of each glassybaby goes to helping people, animals, and the planet. The company will donate its $10-millionth dollar this year!! As if all that wasn't impressive enough, they're simply gorgeous! They are the VOTIVE WITH A MOTIVE!

**The green, blue and purple glassybaby are pure eye candy | glassybaby in** **Lake Oswego** **| photo: AMNash Creative**

glassybaby was founded in Seattle, WA in 2001 by 3-time cancer survivor Lee Rhodes. During chemotherapy, Lee met many patients who could not afford their basic needs during treatment. When Lee founded glassybaby, it was with the core mission of helping to alleviate these struggles.

The glassybaby values:

Giving. The reason glassybaby exists is to give.
Family. We are a community of kindness. everyone is welcome. just bring a story.
Downright uplifting. Our votives with a motive lift spirits and spread hope.
Sustainability. Our handblown glass products are made from the earth, and we are committed to protecting it.
We love dogs. They don’t judge, and neither do we.

**A glimpse of my collection of glassbabies**

glassybabies have been a huge rage, so much so that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos became an investor in 2008.

“People are very passionate about glassybaby, and I think that’s what attracted him,” said Melinda Lewison, of private-investment firm Bezos Expeditions. "Bezos said he liked the story and authenticity of the founder. Lee’s an incredible, inspiring entrepreneur.” (source)

Here is what I love about glassybaby:

The colors
The shapes
Handblown glass – read how they make these babies!
The owner’s backstory
The company mission and its White Light Fund

I had the pleasure to meet Kelli Hanson, the store manager of the Lake Oswego location. She started working at glassybaby shortly after her mother passed away from breast cancer. She said working for a company that understands what her mother endured was a blessing and helped her during that journey in her life.

photos: AMNash Creative

glassybaby offers three different types of vessels: the votive, the drinker and the rocker. Every color receives a unique name and story that represent the values, moments and relationships that matter.

I love these little babies, not only because they are gorgeous, glassy, handmade and colorful, but they create beauty, soothe our souls and decorate our homes. However, I love them most because they represent something BIGGER - they help make the world a better place. And, in my humble opinion, that’s what it’s really all about.