My Story

 
 

HELLO!

Greetings, and thank you for your interest in my work! My name is Janel and i’m originally from Huntington Beach, California. With a degree in Apparel Design and Merchandising from San Francisco State University, I initially worked as a wardrobe stylist in the entertainment industry before seeking new avenues for artistic expression. Enrolling in a Jewelry Design program sparked a new interest in me, and it was during one of my classes that I discovered my love for crafting stained glass pieces. Through years of dedication and practice, I established Janel Foo Glassworks in 2015, designing and creating every handmade piece from my home base in Pasadena.

Recently, I founded Create to Stop Hate, an initiative focused on fundraising and spotlighting the AAPI creative community in response to anti-Asian hate. My work has been showcased in notable publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Marthastewart.com, and T Magazine from The New York Times. I have also collaborated on projects with West Elm and Nordstrom. Most recently, I had the opportunity to compete in the first season of Meet Your Makers Showdown, on Discovery +. It was an incredible experience and I had the chance to showcase my skills against some of the best makers in the industry. The competition was fierce, but I learned so much and gained valuable experience. I'm grateful for the opportunity and I can't wait to see where this takes me in the future.

At the end of 2022, I achieved a significant milestone in my career and personal life as I became the new shop owner of Stained Glass Supplies in Pasadena. It is an honor to take over the reins of this long-running shop established in 1977, and I look forward to continuing the legacy of providing high-quality stained glass supplies and exceptional customer service to our loyal patrons and newcomers alike.

On my off time, I enjoy spending time with my one-year old, snuggle time with my cats Mia and Frankie, indulging in ice cream, whipping up tasty meals, and playing soccer. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my journey as an artist.

 

If you'd like to learn more about me,

check out my studio visit from West Elm on their blog, Front + Main by clicking here: Front + Main: In The Studio with Janel Foo Glassworks.

I was also featured in the LA times! Check it out here: Makers: For stained glass artist Janel Foo, it’s all about the color

All website photography by Mathew Scott