An Inspired Chat with Jacki Cohen of North Scottsdale

Jacki Cohen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Jacki, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of each day are dedicated to “me” time, which includes exercise. I wake up very early and am out of the house within 30 minutes or less. I go to the gym to lift weights, do cardio, go for an outdoor walk, hike a mountain, or do pilates. Some form of movement. It sets my head for a creative day and a feeling of accomplishment before I even get into my studio. I am a morning person, and if I don’t work out first thing in the morning, it does not happen.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jacki Cohen, and I am the artist and business owner behind the small business, Jacki Cohen Glass Art Designs. I run the entire operation by myself, including all aspects of the creative and business side of my company. I create the art, market the art, including being my own social media manager, send out a monthly newsletter, and apply and participate in art shows and exhibitions.

I started as a fused glass hobbyist. I loved working in kiln formed glass and decided to turn my passion into a business 12 years ago.
Fused glass is not blown glass, known as hot glass. Blown glass is where more than one person works with fire to manipulate the glass through blowing air and using fire to form stunning 3-dimensional finished pieces, think Chihuly. Fused glass is not stained glass, also known as cold glass, where 2 pieces of glass are joined by foil or solder, think Tiffany lamps. Fused glass or kiln formed glass is also known as warm glass, that is what I do. Fused glass describes glass that is heated above 1200 degrees. At this temperature, glass becomes soft and easy to manipulate. The magic happens in the kiln. The art of glass fusion involves cutting large sheets of glass and then layering multiple pieces to create individual designs. Each piece is then fired in a kiln at varying temperatures, which creates unique shapes and compositions full of depth, complexity, and brilliance.

I love what I do. I think that is what makes me unique. The joy I have designing, cutting, and firing each piece is translated into each finished piece. My art is happy. You can sense the joy in the finished product. I strive to put a smile on every collector who admires and purchases my glass. To me, art is not complicated or political. The purpose is simple: to bring joy and happiness into people’s lives. My art is generally bright colors, a tad of whimsy, creative, and fun.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
The characteristic that breaks bonds between people is dishonesty. That holds true in all aspects of one’s life, both personal and professional. I have always prided myself on being real and always honest. My relationships, both personal and professional, are extremely important to me. Professionally, as a small, female business owner, I think being honest is one of my superpowers. A perfect example happened recently at a holiday art show. A customer was admiring a large Christmas piece. I explained to him that it was the only one that I have, and most likely will sell. He thought I was hard selling him and/or not being honest in order to make the sale. He came back later that day, excited to acquire that piece. As I had predicted, it sold. I had nothing of that size comparable to sell him in a Christmas motif. If a customer is interested in a piece. I always let them know if the piece has no substitutions or if there is something similar. A relationship, hopefully, future business, and/or referrals are far more important to me than a quick sale.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
In my earlier years as a professional glass artist, my fear of my art not being good enough held me back from applying to exhibitions. As a more established artist, I realize the fear of rejection hurts but it’s not terrible. The thought of being accepted is worth the gamble. I also know that not being accepted can be due to a multitude of valid reasons that have nothing to do with my artistic ability. The other fear I have that still paralyzes me today is writing. I do not think I am a talented writer, and applying to any avenue that requires my writing still sometimes stops me in my tracks. I do not always finish the “X” application when extensive writing is required. Ironically, talking informally in front of an audience for a TV interview, podcast, Facebook or Instagram Live, or public speaking is not frightening to me. I enjoy it and welcome those opportunities.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
100% yes. Piggybacking on my previous answers to questions in this interview. I am what you see. Honest and real. That is probably why being interviewed or doing Social Media Lives is easy for me. I think that is why I have heard the public enjoys my social media presence. It is because they feel like they know me. Through social media, I share Instagram stories of my art but also a peek into my daily life. On social media lives, I am real, I sometimes make mistakes on camera, and never edit. My followers feel connected, invested, and have a relationship with me.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
This is simple and may be a bit old-fashioned. I hope when I am gone, I hope people will remember me for a loving, good, involved mother, grandmother and wife. Secondly, it would be nice to be remembered as a talented glass artist

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.JackiCohenGlassArtDesigns.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackicohenglassartdesigns/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackicohenglassartdesigns

Image Credits
Photos of me are taken by photographer: Lori Krenzen Photography