Bunzow Glass - Pocatello, ID
“The SBDC gave us a start back in 2016. They helped us with our logo design, showed us how to track income and expenses, and worked with us on a marketing plan. They helped us put together a strong foundation.”
Bunzow Glass started eight years ago with an insight: So much beautiful glass goes into the trash.
Husband and wife team Nikki and Lucas Bunzow started their careers (and met) in hospitality, working in
Pocatello’s high-end bars and restaurants.
Seeing liquor, beer, and wine bottles go directly into the trash, along with their iconic designs, gave the
Bunzows an idea: up cycle the glass into new glass ware and candles. The two invested in glass cutting
tools, visited local bars to pick up their discarded bottles, and started to sell their creations.
Bunzow glass is unique because most glass artisans work with hot glass, manipulating it with heat. Nikki
and Lucas are one of a very few “cold work” glass artisans. Their sales at local farmers markets and craft
shows began to attract a following. Not long after, a customer suggested they add jewelry to the
collection. They now sell a range of bracelets, earrings and necklaces along with pendant lamps, candles
and glass ware.
For five years, they continued with their side hustle, improving their technique, and keeping their hospitality jobs. In 2021 Nikki and Lucas decided to become full time artisans. They had to adjust to
selling on line through Etsy, as well as keeping up a busy trade show schedule. They now have their products in 48 states and around the world as well as three local retail stores.
