Mélanie Pierre

As a father of three, our dad quickly realised that we would spend several hours in the workshop during holiday periods. And so there had to be rules: some places were off limits. Playing with glassware? A big no-no. Getting near the flames? Think again. But above all: we were not allowed to distract anyone who was working. And yet somehow a swing made by dad still fitted the picture. I have kept fond memories of it all: the glassblowery has always been a nice place for me.

After secondary school, I studied interior design. It was during that course that I realised for the first time how exceptional it is to grow up in a family of glassblowers. And I immediately learned to appreciate high-quality products and the expertise of craftsmen and women.

But in the end, this programme turned out not to be my cup of tea, so I switched to Language and Literature. Unfortunately, a few internships later, I had become disillusioned with the dynamics governing large companies. I myself had already finished some summer jobs within the glassblowery, where cooperation between colleagues was very different. And although that should be a given, it shocked me enormously.

After my studies, I didn't immediately know what to do, so I asked if I could join the family business for a few months. My mother soon saw that I had an aptitude for actual glassblowing. Months turned into years and today I feel like a fish in the water within our company. New hurdles pop up with every production, which we attempt to overcome as best we can each time and from which we extract valuable lessons for the next job. Personally, I get great satisfaction from mastering a complex manufacturing method. As someone who loves variety and personal growth, I consider myself extremely lucky to be able to do this work.

And that swing? Well, I’m afraid we don't fit in there anymore. Fortunately, the next generation is ready to step in, although they’re more likely to be found making chalk drawings in the parking lot....