The unique glassware produced by Northern Glasses is undeniably fun; their designs range from iconic Minnesota images to quirky quotes to wedding favors. Owner and entrepreneur Mitch Reaume created Northern Glasses as a way to help solve water inaccessibility in developing nations by working with charity:water. When you get a glass, they give a gallon. Now that's some drinkware we can get behind!
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
High quality graphic design at an affordable price perfect for gifting. We only put out the best designs that we’re proud to put our brand behind. Not to mention, they’re the perfect price for a gift… Less than $10 for a unique gift that fits the person they’re buying for. Customers love the ability to build a 4-pack that is customized specifically for the person they’re buying for.
Is this a full-time business for you?
Nope. My full-time job is being a pastor of Crow River Church in Delano, MN. This is the 2nd brand I’ve launched under the mission of “Using business to fight for things that matter.” 7% of glassware sales from NG are donated to charity:water.
Why did you start working in this particular field?
I’m compelled by the potential retail has to change the way our world is. Retail is the perfect industry where an individual full of passions and beliefs, has the opportunity to intersect with a larger organization that is led by its values and commitments. If you can get those 2 to agree on something… The potential is limitless.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your business?
I’ve had some pretty prime moments when I initially meet someone and I can tell I’m at least 10 years younger than they were expecting and they’re not quite sure what to do with themselves. Being only 25 (23 when I first started building our brands), I’m pretty much always the youngest pup in the room in a lot of the circles I find myself in.
What are some inspirations for your work?
Currently, a social business (a business led by a social mission that exists for more than just profits) is a niche category of businesses. I want to build socially-minded brands successfully enough that we can change it from being a niche category to being the norm. I can’t wait for the day when in order for a company to remain competitive, they realize they have to exist for more than just profits. I want to see every company existing for something meaningful that they’re passionate about.
Check out more of Northern Glasses' designs online, and be sure to stop by their booth at the Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo, November 3-5, 2017 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!
www.northernglasses.com
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