These Pretty Glass Votives Help the Fight Against Cancer

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Three-time cancer survivor Lee Rhodes began her colorful glass votive brand Glassybaby after she realized much hope and healing can come from lit candles. From the onset, she wanted her brand to help other cancer patients fight the long and arduous battle—and she built the brand around a model of donating 10% of sales toward cancer-related charities. In the 16 years of glass blowing and selling (it takes four artists and three layers of glass to create each unique "glassybaby"), the brand has donated over $1.5 million. And adding to the fun, colors sell out (without reissue) making them collector's items.

The company is based out of Seattle where it has three storefronts and a factory. Last November, Glassbaby opened its first out-of-state store right here in Presidio Heights. Rhodes explained to the Chronicle: "I think San Francisco and Seattle share a kindred spirit around the act of giving." The Presidio Trust is in talks with recently awarded Glassybaby regarding a lease to use one of its buildings as a glass-blowing studio (with a small retail space attached). And if a $44-$75 votive is seeming a bit pricey so soon after holiday spending, we have good news: A little birdie tells us the semi-annual sale is right around the corner.
· Glassybaby [Official Site]
· Glassybaby's Lee Rhodes lights the way in S.F. [The San Francisco Chronicle]