Freshman Josie Wieland operates a small business selling glass art such as necklaces, earrings and ring dishes. She has been operating her business since second grade and now sells her work in a shop called “Lunch Break Vintage” located in Swarthmore.

Wieland’s work isn’t only limited to the store, though—she also sells online. She has a Facebook and Instagram page for her business both titled “Josie Fusions” where she showcases her creations for sale. 

“I take commissions and I ship some of my artwork as well to people who live far away or just can’t make it to the store. I enjoy having the opportunity of selling my work online and in person because more people are able to see and buy it,” she said.

Wieland’s products change seasonally and she likes to make holiday or season-themed items. The ideas for her pieces are inspired by the app Pinterest or she comes up with them on her own. 

Wieland makes her products at her house, using a kiln in her basement. 

“When I have time I go into my basement, usually on weekends, and start the process of building my pieces. Normally, I have a slab or a block of something and I lay out each piece of glass,” she said. “So I’m working on that surface. Then I just start creating, it’s not a super like confined area and I just do whatever I can when I can.” 

Wieland has been producing and selling her creations for years and started working on glass work a little before she started selling it. 

“I was inspired to start it because I went to this art camp called Windover,” she said. “It was in Maine, and they had a fused glass program there. It was actually going to close because the owner got sick and wasn’t able to run the camp anymore. So I was like, I should start this business, in her memory.”

Wieland likes selling her glasswork because she believes it is a good way to express herself. She not only profits financially from this, but also through her enjoyment of sharing her work with others.

In the future Wieland hopes she can still run this business or at least continue it as a hobby.*