Can't even afford to keep it as a hobby at this point bud.
JoDa Glassworks
- Thread starter VaPeD&CoNfUsEd
- Start date
Erwin
Well-Known Member
Wow man, I can't tell you the sad sinking feeling I got in my stomach reading your post. I get so much joy every day from the pieces of yours I've got, and I've seen the talent and passion you bring into the world, and I can't let myself believe that this is really it for you.
I'm so sorry to hear that your production deal fell through. I know how hard the loss of an opportunity like that is and how bleak and hopeless things can look when it happens, especially when you've got so much riding on it financially and otherwise. I also understand how expensive blowing glass is, and how insurmountable of an obstacle that can seem in these times...
All I ask is that you don't give up. At least not entirely. Perhaps blowing glass won't become the all-fulfilling, full-time employment you had hoped, and perhaps what you end up doing with it will look nothing like what you had imagined as you started up, but I can only hope that you'll remain open and receptive to other outlets for your skills. I can't believe that someone with the talent and dedication has no place in the glassblowing world. I don't know what that place will be, but you have a unique talent for bringing beauty into the world and it would be a tragedy in the truest sense if that talent were never again allowed to flourish.
I've seen the dedicated following you have here on FC, and know how willing everyone here is to support you. I'm sure there is some business model out there that could prove financially beneficial to you, and even if now isn't the time for you to explore alternatives, just don't shut the door on all this entirely. We'll always be here to help and support you. Personally, it would be my pleasure to do anything I can. I'm sure there are others out there who can do much more than I.
In the end I just ask that you don't forget the joy you've brought to this little community. It may not seem like much to you in a dark hour like this, but from where I'm sitting it's a hell of a lot. Stay strong brother, and I wish you all the best wherever your path may lead.
I'm so sorry to hear that your production deal fell through. I know how hard the loss of an opportunity like that is and how bleak and hopeless things can look when it happens, especially when you've got so much riding on it financially and otherwise. I also understand how expensive blowing glass is, and how insurmountable of an obstacle that can seem in these times...
All I ask is that you don't give up. At least not entirely. Perhaps blowing glass won't become the all-fulfilling, full-time employment you had hoped, and perhaps what you end up doing with it will look nothing like what you had imagined as you started up, but I can only hope that you'll remain open and receptive to other outlets for your skills. I can't believe that someone with the talent and dedication has no place in the glassblowing world. I don't know what that place will be, but you have a unique talent for bringing beauty into the world and it would be a tragedy in the truest sense if that talent were never again allowed to flourish.
I've seen the dedicated following you have here on FC, and know how willing everyone here is to support you. I'm sure there is some business model out there that could prove financially beneficial to you, and even if now isn't the time for you to explore alternatives, just don't shut the door on all this entirely. We'll always be here to help and support you. Personally, it would be my pleasure to do anything I can. I'm sure there are others out there who can do much more than I.
In the end I just ask that you don't forget the joy you've brought to this little community. It may not seem like much to you in a dark hour like this, but from where I'm sitting it's a hell of a lot. Stay strong brother, and I wish you all the best wherever your path may lead.
VAPEHUNTER
Well-Known Member
I'm very sorry to hear that
. But only you know what you have to do. Hopefully some day you will pick up the torch again and if that day ever comes I know I won't be the only one with $$$ in hand ready to put in an order.
At this point would some last minute orders help or hurt your situation? I know I can use some more "Joda glass". As always I have no problem waiting however long it takes and if a little extra money today can help you out I will get an order together quickly.
Much love brother, hope everything works out in the end.
And I just put my sticker on my truck this weekend.
. But only you know what you have to do. Hopefully some day you will pick up the torch again and if that day ever comes I know I won't be the only one with $$$ in hand ready to put in an order.At this point would some last minute orders help or hurt your situation? I know I can use some more "Joda glass". As always I have no problem waiting however long it takes and if a little extra money today can help you out I will get an order together quickly.
Much love brother, hope everything works out in the end.
And I just put my sticker on my truck this weekend.
SSVUN~YAH
You Must Unlearn, What You Have Learned...
Sorry to hear about your struggles, I wish you all the best with your future endeavors. Will @yeti_house_glass be able to help us still? Maybe do custom gong's?
You guys are all so awesome! I literally type this while my eyes well up with tears after reading all of your kind words. I just don't know what to do, where to go next. There's no way to express how I feel about finally finding the thing that makes me a little bit special and failing at that as well.
I stopped taking custom orders about 2 weeks ago so I could finally catch up (because believe it or not, I hate missing these deadlines as much (way more) than you guys do) and ramp up for this production gig. Now it seems that all I did was completely fuck myself.
I've got 3 kids my son (oldest) in track right now (one of his 4 sports a year) my oldest daughter (middle) in softball and ballet and my youngest daughter in softball and gymnastics. Ms. JoDa is barely ever home with her new job which doesn't pay much at all (healthcare workers are incredibly underpaid and under appreciated btw) and an ex wife that could care less about parenting at all. So most of the time I have to be dad, mom and try to be "JoDa" at the same time. It's all just mounting up sooo much anymore and my head, heart and soul are all being torn in so many directions it's killing me. Now to have what I thought was going to be my saving grace fall through has really taken the wind out of my sails. I sleep maybe 4 hrs a night (on a good night) and I think I may literally be going insane. I manage to work about 80 hrs a week through all of this and still can't hit a deadline for the life of me lately. Sorry I'm rambling I really think I am losing it. Anyways I just don't see how I can possibly keep going at this pace.
I'm really not a whiney bitch. I'm just having a whiney bitch moment. Lol. My apologies.
I stopped taking custom orders about 2 weeks ago so I could finally catch up (because believe it or not, I hate missing these deadlines as much (way more) than you guys do) and ramp up for this production gig. Now it seems that all I did was completely fuck myself.
I've got 3 kids my son (oldest) in track right now (one of his 4 sports a year) my oldest daughter (middle) in softball and ballet and my youngest daughter in softball and gymnastics. Ms. JoDa is barely ever home with her new job which doesn't pay much at all (healthcare workers are incredibly underpaid and under appreciated btw) and an ex wife that could care less about parenting at all. So most of the time I have to be dad, mom and try to be "JoDa" at the same time. It's all just mounting up sooo much anymore and my head, heart and soul are all being torn in so many directions it's killing me. Now to have what I thought was going to be my saving grace fall through has really taken the wind out of my sails. I sleep maybe 4 hrs a night (on a good night) and I think I may literally be going insane. I manage to work about 80 hrs a week through all of this and still can't hit a deadline for the life of me lately. Sorry I'm rambling I really think I am losing it. Anyways I just don't see how I can possibly keep going at this pace.
I'm really not a whiney bitch. I'm just having a whiney bitch moment. Lol. My apologies.
Dude. You have the skills, charge a bit more. I have not even seen my steam roller yet but i bet I'd pay 80 for it if you needed! Custom JoDa Glass. Hell ya..
Hope you stick around either way.
Take new orders. I can wait.
Edit. I got some underdog stems and lsv ideas coming soon.. So. Just tossing that out there.
Hope you stick around either way.
Take new orders. I can wait.
Edit. I got some underdog stems and lsv ideas coming soon.. So. Just tossing that out there.
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cloudblower
Well-Known Member
I am so sorry to hear you're quitting your dream. Both my wife and I love our pieces. They truly are art that we get to enjoy on a daily basis. I consider you a successful artist in the fact that your art makes people's lives better just by being in our homes. I hope that things work out for you and your family.
Sorry to hear things aren't going as hoped.
Follow your heart. Take a breather. Re-center yourself and see where the road takes you. We'll be sad to see you go, but I promise we'll be here if/when you decide to take up the hobby again.
Take care of yourself, a lack of sleep is NEVER a good thing (I'm a firm believer that getting a true 7-8 hours of proper rest a night is critical to stay healthy).
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subway13029
Well-Known Member
I'm willing to pony up for a lily stem and some hammer stems if u make those..I know I don't mind waiting..as long as one dauy its here..patience is a virtue..
Jokermachine
Well-Blown Member
It's gonna be sad not seeing your art here anymore, but more important is your own life and your family's life. Take a break, get rest and spend time with Ms. Joda and your kids. This aint worth it if you lose that. It was a treat seeing/buying your stuff here and of course your talent is unquestionable. You are a true artist and someday you'll do it all again. We're gonna miss your glass, but don't leave the forum, cuz we will definitely have questions, and we will still need to bug you to start making glass again! Take care.
I don't make parts for either of those bud. 
@VaPeD&CoNfUsEd I am truly saddened to see that you're leaving glass blowing. I've only placed a small order of a couple small pieces, but your talent, growth, and rabid fanbase here at FC is what inspired me to start up a few of my own personal projects. Ever since I saw that beautiful Cloud Kraken Steamroller I knew my first big time custom order would be through you, alas, there will be only one out in the wild. You have amazing talent and offer a great product with great service, I think you'll succeed wherever you can carry this passion and perseverance. Thank you for your services, it means a lot to have a fellow FC member's glass in regular rotation.
Good luck, JoDa.
Good luck, JoDa.
nihil
Member, Known Well
Art is never finished, it is abandoned.
You can read that two ways, positive and negative, and your situation is the negative. For that I feel for you, that sucks.
Financial advice: Get a 9-5, and blow art on the side with the tools and skills you've acquired in the last year or so. I do a lot of "non-committal" art on the side, it's great.
Business advice: Get a web presence, turn out two lines of products 1) standard adapters and 2) custom pieces you do a couple times a month (very relaxed pace). How many people have posted in this thread looking for the quick buy? How many people never followed through when you said PM me? Create a product for the masses (small now, but exploding with new legislation regarding cannabis in the US).
Personal advice: With the family situation, it sounds like it is a huge benefit to you, your wife, and your kids that you can work from home and with your own hours. Don't take this lightly, many would take a substantial pay cut for this. You may be just dealing with poor time management. I don't mean for that to come off as an insult, but there are probably others out there that can give advice on this.
An observation from a fellow forum member: I don't know you, we've never met. I believe I've made 4 transactions with you for a total of 8 pieces. We've PM'd back and forth and you seem like a solid guy. In the last couple of months I've been seeing your skill-set grow to the point that I was thinking back in January, "okay, order what you need now, this guy will be moving on to better things quickly."
Lastly, I'm pretty stoned (Wifi OG). Kind of thinking maybe don't post this, PM it. But fuck it, you sound unsure/overwhelmed. I'm thinking that you can make this work, but you don't know how.. there is no light at the end of the tunnel and all that.
I'm sure this community can chime in and help out with a business model to make this all work.. but just keep in mind that is also going to see a lot of work from you before she rewards you.
Hope this helps. Honestly, if you lived in my neck of the woods I'd invite you over for some beers and brainstorming. You have a good product that should be profitable over time.
In for a final order if you're going to take that path. I'll pay a bit more and wait as long as needed. Either way, good game.
You can read that two ways, positive and negative, and your situation is the negative. For that I feel for you, that sucks.
Financial advice: Get a 9-5, and blow art on the side with the tools and skills you've acquired in the last year or so. I do a lot of "non-committal" art on the side, it's great.
Business advice: Get a web presence, turn out two lines of products 1) standard adapters and 2) custom pieces you do a couple times a month (very relaxed pace). How many people have posted in this thread looking for the quick buy? How many people never followed through when you said PM me? Create a product for the masses (small now, but exploding with new legislation regarding cannabis in the US).
Personal advice: With the family situation, it sounds like it is a huge benefit to you, your wife, and your kids that you can work from home and with your own hours. Don't take this lightly, many would take a substantial pay cut for this. You may be just dealing with poor time management. I don't mean for that to come off as an insult, but there are probably others out there that can give advice on this.
An observation from a fellow forum member: I don't know you, we've never met. I believe I've made 4 transactions with you for a total of 8 pieces. We've PM'd back and forth and you seem like a solid guy. In the last couple of months I've been seeing your skill-set grow to the point that I was thinking back in January, "okay, order what you need now, this guy will be moving on to better things quickly."
Lastly, I'm pretty stoned (Wifi OG). Kind of thinking maybe don't post this, PM it. But fuck it, you sound unsure/overwhelmed. I'm thinking that you can make this work, but you don't know how.. there is no light at the end of the tunnel and all that.
I'm sure this community can chime in and help out with a business model to make this all work.. but just keep in mind that is also going to see a lot of work from you before she rewards you.
Hope this helps. Honestly, if you lived in my neck of the woods I'd invite you over for some beers and brainstorming. You have a good product that should be profitable over time.
In for a final order if you're going to take that path. I'll pay a bit more and wait as long as needed. Either way, good game.
My biggest problem is this....
My business model is
Glassblower-JoDa
Marketing-JoDa
Shipping-JoDa
Photography-JoDa
Customer service-JoDa
Packaging-JoDa
Ect ect ect ect
My business model is
Glassblower-JoDa
Marketing-JoDa
Shipping-JoDa
Photography-JoDa
Customer service-JoDa
Packaging-JoDa
Ect ect ect ect
subway13029
Well-Known Member
I sent u the lily stem..I'm just willing to pony up..everyone is right..u gotta go bwith what u know..
..I'm just willing to pony up..everyone is right..u gotta go bwith what u know..
Mr. Gweilo 420
Dude
Wow V&C. I'm so sorry to hear that things aren't going so well for you at the moment. But first let me offer my opinion about the above comment. I think that is complete fucking bullshit. Failing? No way. A few days ago I went through your imgur album from start to finish. It is an amazing body of work that you have produced in only 12 months or so. Not long ago you were mostly making worked stems and now you are collaborating with other artists on recyclers! You aren't done. You are just getting started. Your work is amazing and has continued to improve in leaps and bounds.
I understand how you must feel at the moment. To me it sounds like you are burnt out and obviously very down. I also understand how all of these external pressures must be taking their toll as well. I find that when I am in a similar state of mind that it is the wrong time to make big decisions. Take a rest, reevaluate and you might be surprised what ideas come to you. Hang in there man. I know you will find a way to get your mojo back.
WoodVillain
Backwoods Rated
Trust me brother i understand, and can relate to a point. The last batch i just finished i had over 40 customers... And NO help... Im also a disabled veteran and stay at home father with 2 kids, both under 10.... I love my hobby when i can do it as a hobby, but 1 person having to do the actual work (in your case blowing glass), plus answer literally hundreds of messages, then do all the logistics/shipping and handling.... The fun gets taken away pretty quick... Now again I love the actual work... Its the emails/phone calls/packaging/shipping/and general chit chat that is all but required in order to get and keep customers happy that gets stressful. There are times i literally just have to stop, blow off everyone for a day or 2 and just worry about keeping ME happy..... Of course i dont get days like that near enough... SO when i do, i make em count!!
I dont like that your thinking about giving up on your hobby (that you are clearly talented at and passionate about) hell i just learned about your work and have yet to try my 1st JoDa piece, but i do understand the pressures that could get you to this point.
Looks like you got a lot of support in your corner brother, a wise man once told me "They can take your legs, they can take your arms, hell with enough time they can even steal your mind... but the love and support back in your home corner can never be touched, and thats why we do what we do" -Hooah!
mrgohamilton
Well-Known Member
Im very sorry to hear this my friend... was looking to do much more business with you.
don't put yourself down! You are an amazing artist and a seemingly more amazing person and father
I really wish you the best and hope everything works out for you and your family.
don't put yourself down! You are an amazing artist and a seemingly more amazing person and father
I really wish you the best and hope everything works out for you and your family.
@VaPeD&CoNfUsEd
Damn bro. I'm speechless. I hate to see you throw in the towel. Never lose sight of your dreams. You have a full plate. I tried to run my own business and only succeeded in running it into the ground. If that had not happened, I would not be where I am today. I have a job that I mostly love and make a pretty good living. Everything happens for a reason. And always remember:
Like a Phoenix, you will rise from the ashes!
Damn bro. I'm speechless. I hate to see you throw in the towel. Never lose sight of your dreams. You have a full plate. I tried to run my own business and only succeeded in running it into the ground. If that had not happened, I would not be where I am today. I have a job that I mostly love and make a pretty good living. Everything happens for a reason. And always remember:
Like a Phoenix, you will rise from the ashes!
grokit
well-worn member
You just want to blow glass, that is where your passion lays. The other stuff can be fun but more often becomes rote distraction. It's not even in the realm of possibility to hire somebody, and even if you could afford it the hassle of training and interacting with another human being on a day to day basis would become its own distraction, ultimately not worth it. This is the definition of growing pains, I get it completely. But you did discover a talent and a passion for something beautifully creative, hopefully that spirit will carry you through the rough seas you are experiencing now. I know for a fact that all of fc is rooting for you!
Bless.
Sad news. I was surprised no doubt.
But I'm sure you don't need telling - just do what you gotta do, JoDa.
I've been enjoying watching your work evolve & I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure stopping by this thread to see what amazing creations have been lovingly received into various FC members trembling, excited & often sweaty hands
And I was definitely looking forward to joining your very special little club myself (sweaty palms included!) in the not too distant future.
But take your sweet time JoDa, tell yourself 'that's it!' and that you've 'had enough' if you must.
Pressure is not your craft, I know it's not what you signed up for & it sounds like you need to let it all go.
This is YOUR journey & your happiness is paramount.
You don't seem the type to truely 'give up' on anything . . . . maybe now is just not the moment . . . .
Never say never!
And whatever, just you stay right here bro - FC got your back!
Wishing you PeaceLoveÑHappiness in whatever you do
Sad news. I was surprised no doubt.
But I'm sure you don't need telling - just do what you gotta do, JoDa.
I've been enjoying watching your work evolve & I can honestly say that it has been a pleasure stopping by this thread to see what amazing creations have been lovingly received into various FC members trembling, excited & often sweaty hands
And I was definitely looking forward to joining your very special little club myself (sweaty palms included!) in the not too distant future.
But take your sweet time JoDa, tell yourself 'that's it!' and that you've 'had enough' if you must.
Pressure is not your craft, I know it's not what you signed up for & it sounds like you need to let it all go.
This is YOUR journey & your happiness is paramount.
You don't seem the type to truely 'give up' on anything . . . . maybe now is just not the moment . . . .
Never say never!
And whatever, just you stay right here bro - FC got your back!
Wishing you PeaceLoveÑHappiness in whatever you do
FLelder ent
Well-Known Member
Sorry to hear the news Joda. Good luck to you.
Reflections
Well-Known Member
Im deeply saddened to hear this news Vaped&Confused. I truelly love using all my joda glass , makes my vaping time so much more enjoyable as I admire all the work you put into my stems and gongs that I have acquired from you.I still love my first set that I bought from you..it absolutely rocks!!
Perhaps you did take on to many custom orders...perhaps you should have just stayed a little more basic so you could pump out more..gongs and stems,maybe you can still do that.
All the love and time you do things for the kids, maybe they can help you in shop? Help you take pictures of products..help in mailing packages, orders.. might take some pressure off of you. I know I would do anything to help my loved one in something that they truelly love.
If i knew how to set up a website Id do that for you..but I dont have a clue..maybe someone here does and can help?
It does sound like you need a break, time to rest and reflect, and sleep. I have a few orders in but Please take your time, there is no rush with mine ok?
We obviously all love ya and wish the best for you.
Perhaps you did take on to many custom orders...perhaps you should have just stayed a little more basic so you could pump out more..gongs and stems,maybe you can still do that.
All the love and time you do things for the kids, maybe they can help you in shop? Help you take pictures of products..help in mailing packages, orders.. might take some pressure off of you. I know I would do anything to help my loved one in something that they truelly love.
If i knew how to set up a website Id do that for you..but I dont have a clue..maybe someone here does and can help?
It does sound like you need a break, time to rest and reflect, and sleep. I have a few orders in but Please take your time, there is no rush with mine ok?
We obviously all love ya and wish the best for you.