Chris Piazza is not just another glassblower; he is an artist, entrepreneur, and the founder of CannaDevices, a leading American glass distribution company. With a passion for glass and a love for cannabis, Chris has built a career around his two biggest passions in life. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey, his company, and the art of glass blowing.
The Early Spark:
“I was always attracted to glass,” Chris says, reminiscing about his earliest memories. “Even as a toddler, I loved this solid glass egg that my Mom had.” But it was during high school when his fascination with glass truly ignited. A friend returned from a Phish concert with a jacket full of pipes, and that moment changed everything for Chris. “That was the first time I saw a glass color-changing pipe. I bought one on the spot, and before using it for the first time I just sat in awe. I told my friends I was with, ‘This is what I want to do, I want to make these.'”
Founding CannaDevices:
Chris’s journey into entrepreneurship began with his passion for glass blowing. “I had my own plan to start a distribution company already,” he explains. “But when the opportunity arose to focus on the cannabis industry, I knew it was the right move.” Thus, CannaDevices was born. Originally conceived as a distribution hub for American glass artists, CannaDevices has evolved into a platform that provides dispensaries with high-quality glass accessories and helps accessory brands establish themselves in the market.
The Mission:
“The mission of CannaDevices has evolved over time,” Chris explains. “Originally, it was about providing American glass artists with a platform to thrive in the cannabis industry. But now, it’s about much more than that. We offer dispensaries a way to grow their own brands with branded products and provide accessory brands with a safe distribution outlet.”
Impact and Perspective:
Through his work with CannaDevices, Chris’s perspective on glass blowing and the cannabis industry has evolved. “I have a lot more respect for distributors now,” he admits. “It’s a thin-margin business that creates a lot of value for everyone involved.” Additionally, Chris has gained insight into how little the general public knows about glass blowing. “Talking to the general public shows me how it is still much of a secret art,” he says.
Advice for Beginners:
For those just starting out in glass blowing, Chris offers some valuable advice. “Repetition is the key to success,” he emphasizes. “Production pays the bills. Headies are fun, but to be able to command the price for the piece, it’s more about brand building than even the art itself.”
Inspirations and Lessons Learned:
Inspirations and Lessons Learned:When asked about his inspirations, Chris is quick to credit those who have helped shape his journey. “I have lots of people I look up to,” he says. “In glass, my teacher will always be on a pedestal for teaching me so much more than just about glass, but also about life.” He also mentions his parents, siblings, and everyone around him as sources of inspiration and learning.
As for the lessons he’s learned along the way, Chris points to one in particular: persistence. “About 6 or 7 years ago, I almost hung up the towel,” he recalls. “But my Dad, who was not supportive of my glass career when I started, told me to hang in there because I had put way too much time into this career to change directions. That something will come of it. And that is exactly what happened.”
Favorite Piece:
When asked about his favorite piece of glass he’s ever made, Chris recalls a rig he made about 7 years ago. “I used a technique called a ‘flip disk’,” he explains. “I drew a sunrise/sunset and put it in the middle of the can of a rig. This was my favorite piece.”
Chris Piazza’s journey from a passionate glass blower to the founder of CannaDevices is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams. Through his work, he continues to share his love of glass blowing and cannabis with the world, one piece at a time. As he looks towards the future, Chris remains committed to pushing the boundaries of his craft and inspiring others to do the same.
