Meet Josie Robles | Glass gal & small business owner
We had the good fortune of connecting with Josie Robles and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Josie, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I feel the most important lessons my business has taught me has been to have an enormous amount of patience and just go with the flow. Allowing myself to move in directions I’ve never considered and not be afraid to switch directions. Stay open to new ideas, be flexible and not put too much stress on ourselves.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I dreamt of opening a gift shop/glass art studio in our little town where I could sell my artwork & teach glass classes. I needed to set myself apart from other giftshops. I wanted a place that was funky, unique, and loaded with other talented artists that would help keep our shelves stocked. I also wanted the price range to remain affordable for everyone that walks in the door. A local gift shop where you can purchase small gifts, southwest souvenirs, take classes, and have fun.
I found the perfect little cottage style house located right on the main drag, it was quaint, stands out from anything in town. We worked hard to get it updated and decorated it, using vintage, repurposed items. Many of the items come from the now closed copper mine and houses that were being torn down. I created a fun place that gets attention once customer’s walk inside. It’s tiny, yet full of life!
The Copper Javelina Gift Shop is now going into its 5th season, we close for the summer & open in October. We carry artwork from 15 different artists, including myself.
There are many amazing glass artists out there. The challenge has always been how do I stand apart from the rest? What can I create that makes me different from other glass artist? I constantly challenge myself to try new techniques, not be afraid to experiment with different methods.
I love working with colored glass, stained glass, & fusing glass. What I enjoy the most is working with recycled glass. Turning glass that would end up at the landfill into a work of art. I create windchimes, earrings, pendants, bowls, luminaries, night lights, vases and more using liquor bottles.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, repurpose is what excites me the most & brings so much happiness to my heart.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Living in a tiny little gem in the heart of the Sonoran Desert our week would go something like this: It would take place in March, sometime during the stay, we would head out 10 miles away, to Why, AZ and enjoy a delicious authentic Sonoran style breakfast at Granny’s Kitchen, hike at Organ Pipe National Park, and enjoy the amazing views. We would enjoy the local Ajo plaza shops & their Sat. Artist Mercado. Take a walk and enjoy all the local murals, including Artist Alley, head over to 3 nations market, a place that has a little of everything from local vendors. Enjoy a cup of coffee at Curley Coffee shop, followed by a drive over to the Ajo Copper mine lookout and the museum. Grab lunch at Tacos El Tarasco or Agave Grille, drink some margaritas. Stop over at the local shops that are located on the main drag, including The Copper Javelina Gift Shop.
One day that week we would head South of the border and enjoy a couple of days in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. Head to the Malecon for a delicious seafood meal, tacos and shopping.
In the evening back in Ajo, we head out to the scenic loop. Build a fire, drink a prickly pear margarita, and watch the dark skies, shooting stars and possibly see the Milky Way. Possibly see a few desert critters that my friends may not enjoy as much as I do.
There’s so much to do in this small community and the surrounding areas.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband by far is my biggest supporter. He encourages me, helps me, and always has my back regardless of what I’m working on. He stands by my side and allows me to create and never doubts my ideas, including my waking up one day and saying out loud ” I think I’m going to quit my job and start my own business”. He just smiled and said, ” It took you long enough”. Our four children (now grown) have all been part of the behind the scenes, helping set up when I was setting up at the local Farmers Market and allowing me the time to experiment, and be creative, all while raising them. Last but not least, my little Ajo community. Their support has been amazing, they keep me constantly creating more unique artwork, there is never a dull moment at The Copper Javelina!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecopperjavelina/?next=%2F
Image Credits
Image credit-Cinnamon Robles
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
