MOMpreneur: n. defined as a female business owner who is actively balancing the role of mom and the role of entrepreneur.
Welcome to our next installment of MOMpreneur Monday, highlighting Florida businesses and brands that were founded by female entrepreneurs and fellow mamas.
Today’s featured Modern Boca MOMpreneur is...Claudia Henao, glass artist and owner of Henao Glass Design!
Tell us a little bit about your background, mommyhood and what drove you to start Henao Glass Design…
I am a wife, mother of two children, a boy and a girl (16 and 22) and a small dog. I have been a glass artist for 16 years.
It has been very challenging to combine work and family. When my children were little, 30% of my day was spent working with glass, which then turned into 50% once they entered school. Now that they are older and don’t need me as much, I am able to devote more of my time to art. I’m really grateful that my dream became my work and I never gave up on them.
“I think as mothers, we need to have something more than a family and a house to be complete. A passion, a dream, a vision that all our faith and respect can flow into.”
I originally started Henao Glass design in Germany in 2000 when my daughter, Andrea, was 4 months old. I participated in various seminars and workshops led by experienced artists in the glass business in Europe. It was neither easy, nor too difficult. I knew many people in my town, so they helped me promote my work by talking to other friends and families about it. This was the easiest way to get the word out about Henao Glass Design and create a customer base.
What makes Henao Glass Design stand out among other glass artistry?
The service I offer to my customers is very personal. I always try to identify their taste and style when working on each project. I also believe that the energy, passion and love I put into my work is one of my strongest points. My passion for art and my self-taught spirit led to experimenting, mixing materials and techniques that always result in unique pieces. I enjoy combining colors, textures and forms, as well as designs in order to satisfy and surprise everyone with a piece they can truly call “their own”.
Why should MBMom readers become your clients and buy your art?
Being able to share my joy and passion with such like-minded souls would be another step towards fulfilling my dream. As a glass artist, I offer everything including, but not limited to, handmade glass fusing, tiles, dinnerware, glass restoration, garden sculptures and stained glass.
What exciting things are coming up for Henao Glass Design?
I’m always excited for new projects, contacts, customers and experiences. Every day is a new page in my book, filled with surprises and excitement for me and everyone around me! I look forward to creating new relationships with my clients to fulfill their design visions while creating pieces with the work I love.
What do you love about living and working in South Florida?
South Florida is a very inspiring environment for me. Waking up to the beautiful weather, as well as the incredible variety in flora and fauna, are tremendously helpful when it comes to thinking of new projects and ideas. This is so nice after living in Europe with such a colder weather environment.
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