Robert Kahl is an accomplished glass artist with roots in photography, holding an Associate of Arts degree in the medium. His journey into glassblowing began in 1996 with a seven-year apprenticeship under master glassblower Michael Schmidt of Schmidt/Rhea Glass.

After completing his apprenticeship, Robert set out on his own, renting time in various glass studios to create his own work. During this period, he also collaborated with and assisted many other glassblowers, further refining his skills and broadening his artistic perspective. He sold his handcrafted pieces at art shows throughout Northern California, steadily building a name for himself in the glass art community.

In 2014, Robert built a small studio on his property, allowing for greater creative freedom and production capacity. The following year, he and his wife Sunny founded a memorial glass business, which later became known as Flame Memorials—a heartfelt venture focused on incorporating individuals’ cremated remains into custom blown glass sculptures, offering families a beautiful and lasting way to honor their loved ones.

In 2024, Robert launched Sun Sugar Glass, a spinoff brand that showcases his evolving artistic vision and expands on the creative foundation established with Flame Memorials.

With nearly three decades of experience, Robert Kahl remains dedicated to the art of glassblowing, blending technical mastery, emotional depth, and collaborative spirit in every piece he creates.

Title: Chief Executive Belly-Rub Receiver & Unofficial Boss
Department: Snacks, Security, and Supervising

Bio:
Yuko joined the team at Sun Sugar Glass after an extensive background in squirrel surveillance and nap optimization. Since day one, she has taken over as the actual manager, reminding everyone that while glass may be hot, the real fire comes from within (especially when the treat jar is opened).

Her primary duties include:

• Ensuring milk bones are properly distributed according to her very specific performance review system (tail wags = 5 stars).

• Letting herself out to “guard the studio” while sneakily sunbathing and monitoring suspicious leaves.

• Supervising flameworkers from her throne of gravel, occasionally judging their bubble control and color choices.

• Being very brave (unless it’s the vacuum, then she delegates).

She is not only the emotional support animal, she’s also emotional leverage: employees are 73% more productive when she graces them with a nose boop. When asked how she manages to balance it all, she replied simply: “Woof.”

Fun Fact: Yuko has never missed a lunch meeting. Or any meal. Or any opportunity to be told she’s a good girl.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.