Meet Michelle Plucinsky | Idea Farmer and Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Plucinsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, how do you think about risk?
I didn’t realise what a risk taker I was until our son came to work for us in the business and I was always trying new things which made him uncomfortable. I thought to myself, I’ve always been this way- jumping into the unknown. That’s what kept things exciting for me and ahead of my competitors! I was always willing to look at things in a new way, or get ideas from another industry and apply it to my own. I think risk taking is fun and leads to new opportunities that open doors in new ways to expand your options. And if you aren’t having fun and expanding, what’s the point?! 😃

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am classically trained in the glass arts, as a glass blower. I first learned my craft at a historical musueum, then went on to college, workshops around the US and I traveled the world to refine my talents and skills. When it came time to start a business with my husband, it wasn’t enough to just craft beautiful things, you had to sell them to earn a living.

My new art became the marketing of our work and the best platforms for where that work would sell. We successfully did many things; we sold our work in over 300+ galleries in the USA, formed partnerships with area business for unique glass speciality items and held events in our studio. Corporate awards were a fun challenge and hospital sculptures were a great way to make some money but the stress and long turn around time between jobs was too much for me while raising a family. In 2003 we made a pivot to house studio shows and events because they were something we could control more and plan our lives around.

We started building out our team of employees to produce the work needed for the demands growing to over 25 employees. At one point, we even branched out to open a second location in Cedar Point, the amusment park in Ohio.

Eventually we decided to scale back and the pandemic helped up with that. I recognized my main talents were in marketing, taking photos/videos and promoting our skills in talents on social platforms and thru our new live weekly show on YouTube. These last 3 years I’ve been refined my skills and talents, spending countless hours learning new tech marketing and moving away from crafting the glass to instead promoting it and growing our live show into a money making operation.

Moving into new platforms has allowed me to utilize all my skills and talents from set design to product design, directing and editing, and coaching and mentoring opportunities. In addition to allowing me to see art beyond the blowpipe of the hot shop.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I had a guest coming into town and I had the week to play, I’d take them first to the flower farm I voluteer on in Dexter and then we’d go to Agricole Farm Stop in Chelsea, taking the dog for a hike on some of my favorite trails. Once our souls are filled with fresh air and beauty, we’d head back to the Union Rec in Ann Arror for some lunch and to plan out the week.

A visit to Chris Nordin Studios in Kerrytown would get us started in more 3D beauty but then I would want to tour the town and the local farms that surround us like Green Things Farm and Raindance farm who offers the best flower bundles ever!

A trip to Grand Rapids for the day to visit the Frederic Meijer Museum is essential and then a coffee house or two, heading back home via Saugatucka and Fenville to visit some farmers, Lake Michigan and an overnight stay in a B & B.

Detroit always holds a special place in my heart so Eastern Market would be the final stop along with many of the cool restaurants and businesses that have opened there in the last few years. We’d gather a bunch of lovely things and fill our bellies with local goodness!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had many mentors along the way and I think the ones that need the biggest shout out are for me are the inventors and dreamers that set the stage for us in this time reality. The thought leaders of the past that wrote books and stories inspiring the current entrepreneurs are the hero’s in my book. It is thru the words of people like Naploian Hill and Louise Hay that I am most inspired to be my best self.

Website: www.GlassAcademy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glassacademy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlassAcademy

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/glass-academy-dearborn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdm92EVIZ88lUtfgCJYAKfw

Image Credits
Photo Credit: Rebecca Gizicki Picco