Over the next few days, Norfolk Live! will shine the spotlight on some of the local businesses that will be featured during this week’s Better Block in the proposed Norfolk Arts District. Today, we feature Glass Gardens and Jewelry, owned by John Wharton.
JW: My business is named Glass Gardens and Jewelry. I enjoy creating terrariums using found, local glass containers, and creative colorful pots. I work with Aloe, Succulents and Flowering Cacti. My wife creates jewelry.
My favorite is the Air plants (Tillandsias)! They’re not native to Virginia. All terrariums are unique, and are a creative outlet for me. Just like someone writing a song, or painting a picture. I like to capture the outside, and bring it inside. I feel most alive when I create.
Plants make people feel good. They give you something to be accountable for and take care of each day. I have always surrounded myself with different plants. Plants remind us of people, times, and stories of our past. Most people are attracted to a living green plant. I would say 9 out of 10 folks tell me a story about a plant, when they purchase one. It connects me with them. We are all connected.
In addition to plants, we sell jewelry. My wife handcrafts earrings, necklaces, pins and hair sticks. She enjoys using vintage lace, local found items, beads, silverware, old jewelry pieces, and anything else that inspires her. She is a great balance for me.
How did you get into this business?
JW: Last year, my wife entered a craft/art show in Virginia Beach with her jewelry. We prepared for months. I brought 10 of my terrariums, and sold a couple before we opened! The fire was ignited, and I have been burning the candle at both ends ever since.
What are your specialties?
JW: We creatively pot succulents in local found glass or containers. We also hang glass globe terrariums with small found figures or items. Sometimes they can even humorous or dark. All are unique. Our jewelry features vintage buttons, Edwardian lace and always unique and hand crafted in Norfolk. We do customer orders as well.
Do you have a store? Can customers buy your products/services online?
JW: We don’t physically have a store, but we do have consignment relationships with Kitsch in Norfolk and Eco Trends in Virginia Beach. We have a Facebook page and webpage, and we can also be found a local arts and crafts shows. Additionally, I can be contacted at glassgardensbyjohn@gmail.com.
What are you looking to get out of Better Block?
JW: Relationships. I absolutely enjoy creating genuine relationships in my community. I make an effort to meet 4 people a month for coffee. I feel more connected, and grounded when I listen to another's goals, and share mine with them. I know I will create relationships, test run my "terrarium and jewelry business" and when the time is right, a door will open. I'm just putting myself in position. With others, all things are possible. I enjoy being part of something bigger than me.
What would you like to see out of an arts district?
JW: Community. Coffee shops. Yoga. Creative Energy. A place I can grab a coffee, connect with others, and laugh. Bike-ability. Diversity. I'm inspired by diversity. Local folks not afraid to partner with others. Farmer's Market. Artist Studios. Also, put Norfolk on the map and attract others to our city. I see it growing, and developing. Nobody really managing it, or holding it back. A living breathing colorful district.
Could you ever see yourself opening up a shop there?
JW: Yes. I can totally see my wife and I opening a shop, owning a building and living in the Arts District. It will all happen in its own time. Our dog, Sasquatch, would play guitar.
Glass Gardens and Jewelry will share a pop-up space this Friday and Saturday during Better Block. They'll post up with other businesses in the Texaco Building, located at the intersection of Granby St. and W. Olney Rd. For more information on Better Block, click here.
when its my first time in a place, i always make sure that i could met some new friends so that when i could start a new business they could also help me..
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