The Stokes family never dreamed their simple passion project that started in their Montgomery garage could have an impact around the world.
Their business, A Second Round Glass, started from an idea of Brent Stokes who saw an empty glass bottle sitting in a recycling bin and wondered “What if I could make this into something else?” He had seen it done in his business travels internationally and wondered if the same could be possible here.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PIPELINE: Construction is underway in Montgomery County on a 193-mile natural gas pipeline
Passion project turns into business
They launched in 2019 and specialize in glass drinkware derived from 100% upcycled bottles that are fire-polished and engraved including wine bottles, Topo Chico bottles and others. From their store and manufacturing spot near Lake Conroe, they ship products all over the world.
The specially crafted glass ware can also be customized with a variety of engraving.
“We started making the glasses and engraving them and set up at Lone Star First Saturday (a market in Montgomery). We had a table and a tent to see if people wanted to buy them. Our neighbors and friends were very encouraging and they started selling. That’s how we got started,” said Scarlett Stokes, CEO of the company.
Brandon Stokes, chief product officer and vice president, called the process a passion project that turned into a hobby that turned into a business.
They went from their garage to a 10-by-10 storage space, to a larger storage space, then to a 1,500-square-foot spot on McCaleb Road that had indoor and outdoor options. Then finally they opened in a 3,000-square-foot space at 700 McCaleb Road in Suite H where they are presently located.
The space serves as their storefront welcoming customers and as their manufacturing hub. They also collect donated bottles at this location.
“The difference that no one else does is we fire-polish the rim,” Brandon said. What Brent Stokes experienced internationally was a cut and sanded bottle. The fire-polished process results in a super smooth rim.
COMMUTER OPTIONS: Woodlands Express brings back reverse commute bus service for Houston workers
Sustainability and opportunity
Brandon said it’s been and enjoyable and challenging project.
They have discovered some bottles work better than others for the transformation.
Scarlett said the Topo Chico bottle has a thicker wall weight because it holds more carbonation than other sparkling waters. Other bottles are thinner and don’t work as well.
“We’re really proud of the quality of what we’re doing,” Brandon said. “It is in kind of a new-product category of upcycled goods that is not super commonplace yet. We’re doing this to support our community through sustainability and creating opportunity for people.”
Upcycling process prevents waste
The practice of upcycling takes a previously used item and transforms it for another purpose rather than creating more waste. The pieces they don’t use in their process are passed to other creators for new projects like wind chimes and guitar slides or they are recycled.
The glass ware comes in amber, green, blue, clear and tinted colors. Sizes range from 6 ounces to 16 ounces. They also make small glass dishes.
They have partnerships with local wineries and business owners that donate bottles as well as members of the public who drop off bottles. Products may be purchased in their shop and online.
They have partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Sam Houston State University for special custom products. The products are featured in several retailers locally such as Ace Hardware locations in the area, several local boutiques and in several shops in different states.
“We really like the idea of creating something real out of emptiness,” Brandon said.
If the full content does not display, visit the article originally published on this site
