She was already doing it. At the time, I lived in Syracuse, N.Y., and she was going to California to study flame working. She invited me to go and I jumped at the opportunity. From the start, I became interested and fascinated by the art form. I was truly amazed with the beauty of the art and the process.

I would draw floor plans because I wanted to be like him. I even designed a pair of sneakers for myself. I can honestly say my artistic drives have always been inspired by family. Once we got into the glass art field, we knew we would eventually start our own business.