The Brightside: Happy Galentine's Day <3

The Brightside: Happy Galentine's Day <3

February 05, 2021

(and also still from last week "Candy" by Mandy Moore... sorry not sorry)

Welcome to The Brightside -- it's FEBRUARY, Baby!!! Pour yourself a big ole cup of coffee because today we’ve got lots of good stuff including an interview with my friend Hannah on starting her own glass business and a GALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE to inspire some fun friend gifts. Stick with it to the end for today's hot take from the editor on the polarizing nature of 500 Days of Summer.

We made it to Friday, folks. Have a good one :)

This past weekend, I watched 500 Days of Summer for the first time in forever. I watched it SO often in high school, and I have one particularly fond memory of a rare snow day where the whole girl’s school watched this movie on a projector in our school’s gym. (I went to boarding school, so this is an especially magical day in my memory—classes never. got. cancelled.).

It was fitting that this movie came up on my Hulu recommendations right as the Polar Vortex hit the northeast early this week—it served as the perfect backdrop for ~feeling my feelings~ and soaking up the snowstorm. Last week was kind of a doozy (as you may have seen on instagram), and this week I’ve been trying to focus on just taking things as they come. My attempts to stick to a schedule are ever-evolving. I feel like I start the days super strong, but by 3pm hit a total slump that—if not properly managed—can throw off the whole rest of the day. It’s a work in progress. Anyway, mentally, right now, I’d say I’m at a 7/10, which ain’t too bad!

Happy Black History Month! The head of my team started off this week’s team meeting by asking everyone “why do we celebrate Black History Month?” which led into a really wonderful discussion about honoring the legacy of civil rights leaders, maintaining perspective, learning how to be a better ally, and the importance of keeping an open dialogue about race. This year it feels more important than ever to celebrate Black History, and I’m thankful to be at a company that is prioritizing keeping an open dialogue around race and providing a great schedule of events for us to stay engaged.

The theme of the events is Still I Rise, inspired by the legendary and beautiful Maya Angelou poem. If you’re thinking about ways to honor Black History Month and continue the dialogue on race, I think this roundup of must-read books is a great place to start.

And now onto our interview with Hannah Reasons, the brains and beauty behind Good Reasons Glass. Hannah and I met while studying abroad in Dublin, Ireland and while we’ve only been reunited in person once since then, Instagram and snail mail keep us connected. Last year Hannah started her glass business, and today we’re going to get a peek behind the curtain and a look at what led her to this art form and what’s on the horizon. Enjoy! (Here’s her Etsy shop and Instagram).  

Tell us a little bit about yourself! What was it like growing up in rural Tennessee and how do you think that influences your life as an adult in Memphis?

Growing up in a rural area definitely teaches you how to appreciate simpler living. I have memories of feeding horses and drying linens on clothes lines, of course. But I think what I took with me to Memphis was a love for handiwork. My grandfather was a craftsman who made stained glass, won awards for his carvings, restored hot rods... and my dad makes art with metals, plays guitar/harmonica and can repair practically anything. I think when you grow up in a rural area surrounded by creators, you learn that there’s a lot of value in using your hands. I have no shame in my love of Southern culture! Memphis is a small city, but we have a big art, food, and music scene. I’m happy to be part of a supportive, creative community!

Tell us about your career path - what did you want to be when you grew up and where have you worked?

Growing up, I knew I wanted to work with my hands. But having a big personality means changing your dream weekly, so I’ve had lots of dreams and lots of jobs with different creative outlets on the side. I waited tables to make it through college, and that gave way to managing a café at a local art gallery. Then I managed a wedding venue for several years, and now I’m a sales/marketing gal for local wedding rentals. Working with glass is a way to clear my head, like most arts, and I mostly work on it at night or on the weekends.

What led you to start working with glass? It seems pretty technical and involved, did you have to take any classes, or did you learn it yourself?

I dreamed for years about starting! My grandfather was an incredible craftsman, like my dad. When he passed several years ago, we were all fortunate enough to be given his stained glass pieces. Knowing that his art was his legacy, I decided to take up stained glass so I could surprise my dad with a panel for Christmas. I made every family member a small piece as well, so it was quite a surprise for everyone-- lots of happy tears. The name Good Reasons Glass is a nod to my dad and grandfather, and I hope to continue on creating in their name! I’m self-taught because I’m broke, so lotsssss of YouTube was the trick. It’s one of those hobbies that takes a lot of time and money investment (had to slowly acquire materials over 6 months), but I’m so grateful I pursued it. I learn new techniques while creating all the time!

What’s your creative process like? I know you take commissions, but do you have a routine for when you’re dreaming up original creations?

There’s inspiration everywhere. I’m not super skilled at sketching, but I’m getting better because it’s definitely a requirement for original creations. Drawings are usually popped into Adobe and I use Illustrator to fine tune the images before using. As far as inspiration, I really love florals (they give me the warm & fuzzies), so naturally I love preserving and incorporating them into my work. But there are soooo many different glass sheets out there with different colors, patterns, and textures-- some that change in the light, some that change colors when you tilt them slightly, even some that reflect different patterns onto the walls when the light goes through them! I absolutely love the process of selecting colors for pieces, and that’s often an inspiration for what I choose to make as well. Sometimes you select the color for the design, sometimes you choose the design based on the colors.

What’s something that’s surprised you about starting your own business?

I NEVER dreamed about making money from this. It was genuinely a happy accident that people actually sent me custom requests, and I’m still shocked people actually want to purchase things from me. I had a lot of trouble pricing my pieces at first because of that. Just knowing I have a small business that I can barely keep pace with is… incredible. I’m only one year in, so I’m thrilled to know what 5 years from now looks like.

What advice would you give someone exploring a creative pursuit that’s outside their comfort zone?

DO IT. Just start. Even if it doesn’t take off. I firmly believe creating is a form of therapy; it’s truly cathartic to create. People enjoying what you make is just an added bonus. And making income from it? Even better. If it’s an expensive hobby you want to pursue, it worked best for me to stretch it out. I did lots of research first and then slowly acquired the materials until I had what I needed to start.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since launching Good Reasons?

This is a great question. **I learned not to project my own budget onto my work.** This is a biggy. I still struggle with my worth, but my significant other was extremely supportive and constantly reminded me that my pieces are beautiful and valuable and that they need to be priced that way. Talking with other creators, I think it’s just part of it. It’s really hard not to critique yourself into the ground, but it’s crucial to know your worth if your goal is to turn it into a career.

How much does discipline factor into what you do, and how do you stay focused?

It does require discipline! I’m a procrastinator, and when you have deadlines for Sarah’s Mom’s necklace or Jack’s birthday on the 5th, you have to REALLY be honest about your piece’s timeline. Hobbies are never something you want to rush. I actually made a promise to myself that I’ll make at least 1 piece a week, and that helps keep me on track because it sometimes takes several days depending on the piece. Working full time makes it difficult, but setting deadlines for myself is extremely helpful.

What is your dream commission - who would you like to create for?

I’d love to do a local installation in Memphis or another city, somewhere public where my family could see it. I think that would make them proud! I’ve been so busy working on smaller pieces, I haven’t gotten as much opportunity to dive into larger panels or lamps like I’d like!

What do you do when you’re in a creative rut?

There’s really inspiration everywhere. MF DOOM’s passing was inspiration for a memorial piece, the fruit and veg in my house inspired me to make my own fruit/veg glass magnets for my fridge. I have some mirror glass I can’t wait to play with… The real beauty of your work being your passion is that you can create whatever you want, it doesn’t always have to sell. I have necklaces in my Etsy shop that have been there for weeks! I made them because I wanted to, not because I was SURE they’d sell. It’s really about sitting at your workspace and just moving your hands until something hits you. It will.

And to close, what’s next for Good Reasons?

Full-time, baby!!! I’d love to have my passion project become a full on LLC. We’ll see where the next few years take us.

Thank you so much for sharing, Hannah! You're such an inspiration and I can't wait to see what's next for you and Good Reasons. Do you have a story you want to share? Let me know!

“What's Galentine's Day? Oh, it's only the best day of the year. Ladies celebrating ladies. It's like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas. — Leslie Knope

One of my favorite little luxuries are these Saje essential oil rollers. I have the Peppermint Halo which is great for headaches or winding down from work —and I also love Gutzy which is a tummy-massage oil for when you’re feeling bloated and poopy.

Also on the self care note, I think the concept of a “turndown service” kit like this one from Hill House would make the sweetest gift. Their version was adorable, but TBH very expensive (and now sold out) - so you can create your own with a silk pillow case (I’m dying to get one) & some high quality chocolates.

Silk Scrunchies (splurge / less expensive) 

Youth to the People Yerba Matte Microdermabrasion Mask - this is the BEST exfoliating face mask I’ve tried yet (thanks for letting me steal it, TT)

I swear by the Sakara Metabolism Powder, and this 10 pack would make a great gift! I put it in a smoothie or mix with soy milk after a workout.

For the home, these cute lil’ wine glasses are my favorite, especially because they’re stemless and harder to break.

This kitchen tool I swear by is my go-to gift for people that are especially hard to shop for. (I shared a similar version in last week’s b-side!).

Lately I’ve loved having a nice candle in the apartment. Here are some of my favorites from the past few months:

I also think these adorable espresso cups would make a great gift for anyone who is as obsessed with their Nespresso machine as I am.

CBD treats for the pup when you need them to just chill. Louie is generally pretty laid back, but these are nice to have on hand when we're putting him in his crate -- something he's not as used to after spending so much time out of it while we've been home with him throughout the pandemic.

And if you're looking for something more accessory-oriented, ANYTHING from WildOne. Louie LOVES this toy, and we're a big fan of their biodegradable wipes after messy trips to the dog park (they smell so good!).

A pretty glass piece from YewYew or LaundryDay

A subscription to Broccoli Mag or Gossamer (I love both)

MouthPeace filters from MooseJaw - these are a game-changer for bud-lovers and help protect those little lungs!! (They also sell wonderful pre-roll cones, which are a god-send for people like me who can’t roll a joint to save my life).

For your type-A BFF: Some Muji pens & highlighters (find me better office supplies I DARE YOU!)

I got this awesome weekly planner at the end of last year which is the best structure I’ve found yet, and it's not dated so you don't have to worry about wasting paper if you don't use it for a few weeks.

Another wild-card item that I love - this is totally unsexy, but bare with me - is this cable organizer that I got for under my desk. It is so visually pleasing compared to what was previously an ugly pile of wires. Yamazaki Home continues to solve for all of my niche organization woes.

This silicone shower scrubber is my favorite loofa replacement. I use it with the Nécessaire eucalyptus shower gel that everyone was raving about on Instagram (was it just me or did EVERY influencer do a holiday campaign with them??) and damn, it’s worth the hype.

This scalp & body scrub is also an MVP -- the most heavenly scent. I love to use it on my body as an exfoliant - it will make you smell like the rich lady you aspire to be.

One of my favorite monthly subscription boxes is the Allure Beauty Box, which Sam turned me onto. It's a great way to get exposed to lots of great skincare and makeup items I wouldn't normally buy or even think about, and it's such a fun little treat in the middle of the month. I've found some true holy grail items though this!

I also think a subscription to a nice magazine is a great surprise. I personally love Tidal Mag and CherryBombe.

Or maybe best of all, just write your Galentine a lovely card! My go-to stationary sellers are Ashkahn & Lucky Horse Press

If you want to zhuzh it up a little bit, cover the whole envelope in stickers or take a page from my friend Hannah (of Charmed Fringe)'s book and fill the card with confetti (I still find pieces of little stars all over my floor from pen-paling, and it makes me smile. :)

Thoughts on this weeks brightside from your friendly neighborhood editor, Sam

Oh gosh, Bogs, 500 Days of Summer… What a polarizing movie. I feel like most people either love it or hate it. Me? I lean towards hate. One time, a high school boyfriend had a major Tom Hanson complex and told me I was his Summer Finn, and LET ME TELL YOU that boy was no JGL. I don’t like how the movie tries to villainize summer just for not wanting to be Tom’s girlfriend, despite her making that abundantly clear from the get-go. MEN! Ugh. When will pop culture ever get it right?!

Actually, help! I really need an apron, any suggestions?

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