Lynn Holland’s decision to take a stained glass class eventually led her to open a store.
She opened Sweets’ Glass Treats last month in King.
“I’ve been doing mosaics for years,” she said.
As her two children grew into adulthood, Holland realized how much she enjoyed taking the classes.
Her first class was in Downers Grove, Ill., where she and her husband Stu lived and raised their family.
For years, the couple came here during the summer, and while looking at Fox Valley Technical College’s catalog of classes, Holland discovered a stained glass class was offered.
The class was taught by Mary Beisner, of Blessings Glassworks in Weyauwega.
“I took the class. That went on for three years – me taking Mary’s class. We became really good friends,” Holland said.
Around that same time, Holland and her husband began talking about moving here after he retired.
She has visited the area for years.
The first time was when she had just graduated from high school.
That is when her parents, Don and Joan Bretwisch, built a place behind the Red Mill.
“When they retired, they moved up here. That is what caused us to get a place,” Holland said.
In 1991, the couple bought a cabin on Taylor Lake.
Four years later, they tore it down and built a log home.
“We’ve been coming up with the kids. We just love Waupaca like everyone does. Everyone is so friendly,” she said.
Last December, Stu retired from his chiropractic practice of almost 30 years.
“Rather than downsize and stay in Chicago, we decided to come here and make it our home,” Holland said. “We sold our house and close on it next month. Everything is falling into place.”
The idea of opening a shop came to her last fall.
“I was getting ready to close up the house. I kept driving past the building. It had a for rent sign. I said to Mary, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool if we had our own little shop?'” Holland said.
The building at N2724 County Highway QQ was where Furniture by Todd was located before the business moved across the street a couple years ago.
Beisner has her own place in Weyauwega and told Holland she would help her get the building ready.
After looking at the space in early December, Holland made arrangements to lease the space.
Beisner searched Craig’s List for display cases, and in April, the building was tranformed into Sweets’ Glass Treats.
When asked about the name of her business, Holland said, “My husband has called me Sweets since we were dating – thus the name Sweet’s Glass Treats.”
It was her sister’s idea to give the store that name.
The shop opened on May 10.
“I had customers the first day,” Holland said. “I feel so blessed. I’ve been so welcomed by people.”
The business includes glass art made by Holland and also by Beisner.
“I’m trying to bring in art of local artists,” Holland said.
Sweets’ Glass Treats has stained glass done by Bob Bootz, of Waupaca, and the glass pendants of Brady Looker, also of Waupaca.
The shop also features the handmade glass art of other artists from throughout the country, stained glass supplies and sheet glass, the pottery of local potters and candles, body lotions and scrubs made by Sue Radtke, of Faith Candles in Weyauwega.
Holland discovered some of the artists through her travels.
Sweets’ Glass Treats is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The store is closed on Monday.
Classes are offered on Saturdays.
Holland may be reached at the store at 715-258-0777.
Her family and friends encouraged her to start the business.
“I helped my husband get his practice going. I stayed home with our two children and did lots of volunteer work. Eventually, I was a teacher’s aide,” she said. “This has been an exciting, exhausting experience. I’m very excited about it. I just feel so blessed, because I’ve been so welcomed. I’m happy to be here. I’m looking forward to the tourists. I used to be one of those people, walking the strip.”