Life & Work with Stacy Owen of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Owen.

Hi Stacy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Copper Moon Studio Gallery & Gifts started in 2006 from a simple idea that art should feel welcoming and bring people together. I’ve always had a passion for creativity and handmade craftsmanship, and I wanted to create more than just a traditional art studio or gallery. I envisioned a space where people could relax, experiment, connect with others, and discover their own creative side, even if they had never considered themselves “artistic” before.

What started as a small studio focused primarily on fused glass artwork gradually evolved into something much larger. As more people became interested in learning and creating themselves, we began offering fused glass classes and eventually developed the walk-in experiences we’re now known for today.

Over the years, Copper Moon has grown into a creative destination for families, friends, schools, organizations, and visitors throughout Northwest Ohio. We’ve expanded classes, added new experiences, supported local artists through our gallery, and continued adapting as the community’s interests evolved, all while staying true to our original mission of making creativity approachable and accessible to all ages and experience levels.

In 2026, we’re proud to celebrate 20 years of Copper Moon Studio. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful not only for the longevity of the business, but for the relationships and memories that have been built here over the years. Watching families return generation after generation to create together has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any small business, it definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. Over the last 20 years, we’ve faced everything from economic downturns and changing retail trends to the uncertainty that came with the pandemic. Because Copper Moon is built around hands-on fused glass experiences, one of our biggest challenges during that time was figuring out how to continue creating with people when they couldn’t physically come into the studio.

We adapted by creating take-home project kits so customers could still be creative from home. We put together everything they needed to design their fused glass projects, and then they would bring them back to us to be kiln-fired and finished. It became a really meaningful way for people to stay connected and creative during such a difficult time.

Over the years, we’ve also had to continue evolving as customer interests and expectations changed. We’ve expanded classes, introduced new experiences, grown our social media presence, and constantly looked for ways to keep creativity approachable and fun for all ages. Behind the scenes, there are always challenges with staffing, scheduling, and managing all the moving parts that come with a hands-on creative business.

But through all of it, the community support has been incredible. We’ve built relationships with customers that go back generations now. Seeing families continue to come back to celebrate milestones, make memories, and create together is what has made all of the challenges worth it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Copper Moon Studio, we specialize in making creativity approachable and accessible for everyone. What we’re probably best known for are our daily walk-in fused glass experiences, where guests can come in during open hours and create their own one-of-a-kind glass art pieces without needing reservations or prior experience.

Our most popular experience is called Lil’ Chips. Guests choose a project, arrange colorful abstract pieces of glass into their own designs, and we fuse everything together in the kiln to create finished artwork they can keep for years to come. It’s very flexible and beginner-friendly, which is something I’ve always felt was important. Art can sometimes feel intimidating, and we wanted to create an environment where people of all ages and skill levels feel comfortable walking in and creating something meaningful.

I think what really sets Copper Moon apart is that “craft on demand” experience. Families stop in after school, friends come for creative outings, and visitors can fit a hands-on art experience into their day without needing weeks of classes or advanced skills. Every project ends up completely unique because there are so many colors, styles, and creative directions people can take.

What I’m most proud of is the atmosphere we’ve built over the last 20 years. It’s become more than just an art studio, it’s a place where people gather, celebrate milestones, spend time together, and make memories through creativity.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think running any small business involves a certain amount of risk, especially in the arts and creative industry. Over the years, I’ve learned that growth often requires trusting your instincts, being willing to adapt, and sometimes taking a leap before you know exactly how things will turn out.

One of the biggest risks in Copper Moon’s history came in 2010, when we purchased a significantly larger building with plans to expand the space even further. The expansion was completed in 2011 and really marked a turning point for the business. At the time, it felt like a huge leap. Taking on the financial responsibility of purchasing and expanding a much larger facility brought a lot of uncertainty. There were definitely moments where I questioned whether the business would continue growing enough to support the increased overhead and whether we were taking on more than we should.

But I also believed strongly in the vision for what Copper Moon could become. I could see that people were looking for creative experiences, connection, and something different from traditional retail or entertainment. That expansion gave us the ability to grow our classes, offer more walk-in creating opportunities, host larger groups and events, and continue evolving the studio into the creative destination it is today.

In general, I don’t think of risk as being reckless. For me, it’s more about listening to the community, paying attention to what people are responding to, and being willing to evolve while staying true to the heart of the business.

Pricing:

• Our walk-in Lil’ Chips projects start at $22

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.coppermoonstudio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coppermoonstudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coppermstudio/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/copper-moon-studio
• Twitter: http://x.com/coppermstudio
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@coppermoonstudio