Member Spotlight: THIRD DEGREE GLASS FACTORY
Photo by: Sophie Axie Mae Photo
MEET THIRD DEGREE GLASS FACTORY
We’re excited to introduce you to Third Degree Glass Factory, one of our gorgeous St. Louis venues and featured member of The Collective. We recently connected with their team and have shared our conversation below.
Can you tell us about the service(s) you offer and how you got your start?
Established in 2002, founders Jim McKelvey and Doug Auer opened the doors to Third Degree Glass as the only publicly accessible glass art studio & education center in St. Louis. Doing much of the work themselves with assistance from aspiring glass artists, they transformed a dilapidated 1930s car dealership and service station into a state-of-the-art glass facility with over 8,000 sq. ft. of usable space.
What started simply as a passion for glass art has blossomed into a multifaceted venue for education, retail, studio rental, private events, and exhibitions. We offer classes and private experiences, no experience required, and host monthly Third Friday events to expose the community to the amazing world of glass. Third Degree is the anchor of the Delmar Maker District, leading the neighborhood's mission to support and promote makers of all kinds.
What makes you + your business unique?
We are the only place of our kind in the area and are the anchor of the equally unique Delmar Maker District. Our niche is obvious, but we do everything to make it accessible and exciting to those who might never have been introduced to glass art before. We want to share our passion, talents, and knowledge with anyone who wants to be part of it. Specifically as a venue, we're best described as industrial chic and offer the unique opportunity for glass blowing demonstrations and glass experiences as part of an event--not the typical venue, which is what makes us so attractive.
Can you share a bit about why you choose to do what you do?
Our goal is simple: To provide amazing experiences with glass.
How would your clients describe working with you?
We are a passionate team that works hard to create a memorable event that people will talk about for years. So many clients say their guests have told them it's the best wedding they've ever been to and that guests still give them compliments months after the wedding. Reviews include that we are extremely welcoming and detailed, and we've gotten compliments about how upbeat and accommodating our staff is.
Tell us about a big lesson that you've learned while in your industry.
It's important to really focus on the couple and try and figure out what THEY really want, regardless of outside pressures. You do have to meld a lot of opinions and respect everyone involved, but I really want to make sure the couple is getting the day of their dreams. Also, small details matter.
We all have favorite wedding moments. Can you share with us some of your favorites?
At multiple weddings, it's the creativity of the signature cocktails with our full spirits package. Couples get to completely customize their own drinks, all the way down to the name--which is usually after their pets! It's so fun to see their huge smiles when they walk up to the bar and order a drink they created that has special meaning to them.
I always love witnessing the unity ceremony at our weddings because it's such a unique take on the tradition that truly reflects our venue and our passion. Couples combine colored frit (small pieces of glass), which is then used to create a glass piece of their choice. And to make it all even more amazing, they can add a glassblowing demo to their reception so their piece can be made right in front of them and their guests!
Being able to give every couple creative freedom to make our already gorgeous space even more special is always a top wedding moment. I've seen our decor offerings and exhibitions add a ton of impact at various weddings, as well as florists really complementing our space well and couples doing phenomenal DIY projects together. We welcome creativity here in the Delmar Maker District, and it's really fun recreating a room to meet someone's vision for their special day.
Who was your most memorable wedding/couple and why?
We had a couple who had a complete Disney-themed wedding; they got engaged at Disneyland and brought the magic to St. Louis! Everything was on theme, from the sweetest Mickey Mouse ear centerpieces and room decor to the cake, custom cups, and signature cocktail. It was a joy working with them - they were excited, kind, open to creative ideas, and trusted the venue and staff with everything. It always feels good to have a couple's trust on such an important day. Our space was filled with happiness and Disney magic!
What is something that you really excel at when it comes to your business? Can you share a tip?
We excel at providing memorable, unique experiences for our clients and offering high-quality service and amenities at every event. Where else can you book a live glass blowing demo during your wedding? Our cocktail program is exceptional, like beyond what most venues offer. Our margaritas are shaken ... let that soak in. No mixes.
What is an achievement you're most proud of?
I (Tyler, Event Manager) co-founded a local meal prep service that started averaging 100-150 meals/week in just two months. It's a reflection of my hard work, attention to detail, and organization. And being a dog dad is always on my list of achievements as well. :)
Any random, off the wall fun fact you care to share with us?
At the age of 26, I've worked roughly 300+ weddings, either as a server, bartender, caterer or planner. Because I've been involved in so many, I've had experience with a variety of ceremonies and traditions -- gay couples, Jewish weddings, and Croatian and Indian ceremonies. In order to make each event the best representation of the couple and what they want, I always learn the specific customs, traditions, and family history for each event.
We loved learning more about Third Degree Glass Factory and are thrilled to have them in The Collective. Be sure to give them a follow!
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thirddegreeglass