Deep Dive
Why did Lee Rhodes start Glassybaby?
Lee Rhodes started Glassybaby after receiving a hand-blown glass vessel during her chemotherapy. The calming effect of the color and flame inspired her to create a product that could bring hope and healing to others.
What challenges did Lee Rhodes face as a female entrepreneur?
Lee Rhodes faced significant challenges as a female entrepreneur, including difficulty securing loans and facing skepticism from banks and investors who often assumed she was married to a man named Lee Rhodes. She also encountered gender-based obstacles in business financing and credibility.
How does Glassybaby integrate charitable giving into its business model?
Glassybaby integrates charitable giving into its business model by donating a portion of every sale at the point of sale, rather than as an end-of-year afterthought. This approach ensures that giving is a core part of the business rather than a marketing strategy.
Why did Lee Rhodes decide to keep production in the U.S. instead of outsourcing?
Lee Rhodes decided to keep production in the U.S. because she believed in paying artisans a living wage and maintaining the authenticity of the product's story. Despite pressure to outsource to China, she felt that making the products in America was essential to the brand's mission.
What advice does Lee Rhodes have for women entrepreneurs?
Lee Rhodes advises women entrepreneurs to take time for themselves, even if it's just an hour between noon and one. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and not trying to do everything at once, as multitasking can be overwhelming.
How has Glassybaby donated $15 million to charity?
Glassybaby has donated $15 million to charity by integrating charitable giving into every sale. A portion of the proceeds from each purchase is donated to various causes, including cancer support, environmental initiatives, and basic needs assistance.
What are some of the mistakes Lee Rhodes made as an entrepreneur?
Lee Rhodes admits to making mistakes in hiring, often hiring people she liked rather than those who were the best fit for the job. She also regrets not trusting her instincts early on and outsourcing production to China, which she later brought back to the U.S.
How does Lee Rhodes define success for Glassybaby?
Lee Rhodes defines success for Glassybaby not just by profit but by the impact the company has on people's lives. She believes in providing hope and healing through the products and supporting those in need through charitable donations.
What are some of the causes Glassybaby supports through its donations?
Glassybaby supports various causes, including cancer patients, environmental initiatives, and basic needs assistance. They focus on organizations that provide direct support, such as covering parking fees for cancer patients or delivering healthy food to those in need.
How does Lee Rhodes empower her team at Glassybaby?
Lee Rhodes empowers her team by allowing them to take ownership of decisions and solve problems independently. She encourages her team to step in and correct her when necessary, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability.
- Lee Rhodes was diagnosed with lung cancer while raising three young children.
- She founded Glassybaby, a company selling hand-blown glass votives.
- Glassybaby donates a portion of its proceeds to charity.
- The company's products are designed to bring hope and healing.
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