Meet Sharise Luer of Glass Palace Arts

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharise Luer.

Hi Sharise, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
In 2012, life threw my family and me a challenge that changed everything. My husband had suffered a spinal cord injury, and between medical bills and his ongoing care, we found ourselves in a very difficult spot financially. I knew I needed to create a side hustle that I could do from home—something flexible that would allow me to help provide for my family while also being present for him. What I didn’t know at the time was just how much that “side hustle” would grow into a full-time business and an incredible journey of its own.

I’ve always been both creative and entrepreneurial at heart. Even as a child, my sister and I were making and selling things, often door to door. whether it was arts and crafts we had created or even little bundles of flowers picked from the neighbors’ yards (If you were one of my neighbors I apologize!). 😊 In school, I excelled in anything that allowed me to use my artistic ability, though I’ll admit I didn’t give as much attention to the subjects that didn’t spark my creativity.

When I first launched Glass Palace Arts, it was a blend of my passions: I sold abstract paintings I had created, along with one-of-a-kind beach glass jewelry made from glass I collected along the shore. Hence the name—Glass Palace Arts. The early days were full of experimentation, but as the business began to take off, I realized that combing the beaches for materials, remaking each piece by hand, and photographing everything individually wasn’t sustainable. If I wanted this to become a true business, I needed to create designs that people would love and come back for—pieces I could reproduce without sacrificing quality or artistry.

That’s when Glass Palace Arts evolved into what it is today: a full-fledged jewelry brand. Our focus is on cutting out traditional markups and offering high-quality, artisan-crafted jewelry at reasonable prices. Each piece is designed to sparkle and shine for decades to come. Over the years, I’ve sold more than 200,000 pieces of jewelry, and I’m proud to say that every single one is still made locally in our San Diego studio. You can explore our collection at GlassPalaceArts.com.

Being a woman-owned and operated business, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. That’s why I’ve felt a growing pull to give back and help others—especially women—step into their own confidence and creativity. I’m now building a second business, @caligirlhustle, which is focused on empowering women to start side hustles, launch businesses, make money online, manage money wisely, and reach their goals. My hope is to share not only practical resources but also encouragement and inspiration, so other women can see that it’s possible to build something that’s meaningful and from scratch. I want them to know that you don’t have to have all the answers, a perfect plan, or a huge number of resources to begin. What you do need is the courage to start with what you have, where you are, and to keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain or when roadblocks pop up.

Looking back, what started as a necessity during one of the hardest seasons of my life has become something I never could have imagined: a thriving business, a community of customers and supporters, and now a new mission to help other women chase their dreams. I’m incredibly grateful for this journey, and I’m excited for what’s still ahead.

I have to mention of course, I couldn’t have done any of this without my husband—my biggest cheerleader—who has stood by me through every late-night brainstorm and every “crazy idea” I’ve come up with. His support and belief in me have been the steady foundation behind all of it, and I’m so thankful to have him by my side.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Even though I grew up around entrepreneurship with both of my parents running their own local businesses—starting Glass Palace Arts was still a brand-new journey with a steep learning curve. When I began, I knew very little about making jewelry other than the fact that I loved it. I had to teach myself everything from the ground up: how to make jewelry, find the right suppliers, designing a website, researching quality materials, and navigating which online platforms were the best fit for selling my work.
As the business grew, new challenges came along. Hiring and training employees, managing production, and keeping up with the day-to-day demands of growth was an immense amount of work and a strain on my time. It stretched me in ways I hadn’t anticipated, but it also helped me learn valuable skills, grow as both a business owner, and as a person.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Glass Palace Arts began as a small creative outlet and has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined. In the early days, I was making just following my love for creating. Over time, that little idea transformed into a full jewelry line, but one thing has stayed constant: a commitment to making pieces that are thoughtful, lasting, and made with care.

Today, our focus is on designing jewelry from 14k gold fill and sterling silver, paired with genuine gemstones like freshwater pearls, Arizona turquoise, dreamy larimar, tanzanite, opals and vibrant amethyst. These materials are chosen not only for their beauty but also for their durability and timelessness—meant to be worn, loved, and passed down. Every piece is still crafted in our San Diego studio, where I work alongside a small team to ensure each item feels personal and well made.

What makes me proud isn’t just the jewelry itself, but the connection it creates. I love hearing from customers who share that a necklace became part of their wedding, a infinity pendant that represents their family generations, or birthstones that correlates to their children’s birth month. To me, jewelry is never “just an accessory.” It carries stories, and memories with it.

When I think about the fact that over 200,000 pieces have found their way into people’s lives, what means the most to me isn’t the sales—it’s the trust behind it. Knowing that so many people return time and again tells me this isn’t just about jewelry. It’s about creating pieces that are worn and loved, that truly become part of someone’s life.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I see the handmade jewelry industry continuing to grow as consumers increasingly seek unique, personalized, and meaningful pieces. People are looking for jewelry that tells a story, reflects their individuality, and is made with care and quality. Sustainability and ethical sourcing are also becoming more important—customers want to know their pieces are crafted responsibly, which aligns with artisan made jewelry.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.glasspalacearts.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glasspalacearts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlassPalaceArts
• Twitter: https://x.com/glasspalacearts
• Other: www.glasspalacearts.etsy.com