Stephanie Fassler is a stained glass artist, who has been designing and creating stained glass works from of her studio in Melville since 1984.
How did your business start?
I did an apprenticeship with one of England’s leading stained glass artists in the early 1960s. I then started taking my own commissions, working between South Africa and the UK for a number of years, before finally settling here in 1972.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
I work out of a studio in my home. Melville is lovely because it is elevated and near the Koppies, which connect us to our ancient origins. It’s also like a village with smaller properties that are close to the street, which makes you feel less isolated. We have lovely cafes and bookshops and there is a wonderful community of artists and writers and actors.
How did you find your premises?
I found my property through an estate agent, and it was my second attempt to buy a house in Melville. Thank 
goodness my first attempt fell through because there wasn’t really a suitable work space.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
Well, the garage was initially in a shocking state, but it had the potential to be converted into a functional workspace with a kiln. Then in the 1980s I built a studio above the garage to function as my own exhibition and retail space.
Who are your neighbours?
Over the road is 27Boxes, and half a block away you’ll find Melville’s 4th Street. I have residential neighbours on either side of me.
What are the shop rental/sales prices like in this area?
I’m not really in that market, but I know that 27Boxes has very affordable retail spaces.
How many people go through your store each day?
I work mostly by appointment, and participate in exhibitions and markets from time to time. But I do host an annual open studio at Christmas time, and then we get lots of people coming through to have a look.
Do you have any expansion plans?
No, I take part in exhibitions and markets as they come up, but my work and studio spaces are perfectly suited to my needs.
Do you operate online as well?
I don’t have a website, but I do have a Facebook page. It’s not really an online kind of a business, although I do ship pieces all over the world when I receive international commissions.
What’s your most popular item?
At the moment, our most popular items are the angels that my assistant and I make out of recycled glass. We’re also getting quite a bit of interest in our stepping stones with glass inlays.
Stephanie Fassler Stained Glass
Follow her on Facebook here.
Words: Goergina Guedes | Images: Supplied / Ter Hollmann
