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Lee Rhodes
founder and owner at glassybaby
Lee Rhodes is a remarkable entrepreneur and the founder of glassybaby, a company that has touched the lives of many through its beautiful handcrafted glass votives and drinkers. Established in 2001 during her personal journey with cancer, Lee's vision for glassybaby emerged from a deeply transformative experience. One evening, while sharing a meal with family, she was inspired by the beauty that radiated from a tealight placed in a hand-blown glass vessel. This moment ignited a profound sense of healing and hope, leading to the birth of glassybaby, a brand synonymous with beauty, warmth, and compassion.
From the inception of glassybaby, Lee has had a steadfast mission: to alleviate the struggles faced by cancer patients and their families. During her treatment, she encountered numerous fellow patients who were burdened by financial stressors, struggling to afford essentials such as transportation, childcare, and groceries. Recognizing this challenge, Lee embedded a philanthropic ethos into the very fabric of glassybaby, dedicating a portion of the profits to support nonprofit organizations that assist families in need. This commitment has resulted in over $9 million in donations to more than 900 charitable organizations to date, making a significant impact in the community.
Each glassybaby creation is unique, handcrafted by skilled artisans located in Berkeley, CA, and Seattle, WA. The brand is celebrated for its expansive palette of over 400 rich colors, each one thoughtfully named and accompanied by a narrative that resonates with concepts of joy, hope, gratitude, roots, and home. The stories behind each color not only enhance the beauty of the glass but also engage customers personally, turning each piece into a cherished symbol of inspiration and positivity.
Lee Rhodes’s contributions to the business world have not gone unnoticed. In 2011, she was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by Entrepreneur Magazine, a testament to her innovative spirit and dedication to social responsibility. Fast forward to 2016, and Lee was named a 2016 EY Entrepreneur of the Year for the Pacific Northwest Region, further solidifying her reputation as a leader in entrepreneurship. Moreover, in 2014, her influence was recognized when she was presented with the Women of Valor award by prominent figures like Senator Maria Cantwell and then-Vice President Joe Biden, acknowledging her efforts in championing women's leadership and business.
Under Lee's leadership, glassybaby has transcended beyond a simple product; it is a movement encompassing community support, healing, and personal connections. With a dual focus on artistic excellence and social responsibility, Lee Rhodes continues to inspire others through her mission of spreading hope and beauty, profoundly influencing both her customers and the charitable organizations she supports.