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On the North Shore of Oʻahu, where the ocean breeze meets lush floral landscapes, artist Arlie Pemberton is crafting something timeless—glass lei and flowers that preserve the spirit of Hawai‘i in the most unexpected medium: flame-worked glass.
Through her brand, Arlie Glass, Pemberton creates heirloom-quality pieces that blend contemporary artistry with cultural reverence. Inspired by the beauty of island flora and the cherished tradition of giving lei, each handcrafted bloom becomes a symbol of love, memory, and aloha that lasts a lifetime.
The Spark That Started It All
Arlie began her journey in glasswork during her senior year at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she earned a BFA in Photography and Film. Ironically, it was a required elective that changed her path.
“I discovered glassblowing while fulfilling an elective credit during my senior year,” she recalls. “I immediately fell in love. Even though I only took one class, I invested in my own glassmaking equipment right after graduation.”
For nearly a decade, she crafted layered glass jewelry resembling water droplets. But when she moved to Hawai‘i in 2016, everything changed. “The moment I arrived, I felt this incredible connection to the culture, the land, and the people,” Arlie shares. “That energy started to influence my art in ways I never imagined.”
Where Memory Meets Medium
The inspiration for her glass lei came organically. “My favorite customers are the ones that talk story with me,” Arlie says. “They’ll share memories of their Tutu’s plumeria tree or how the smell of puakenikeni brings them back to childhood. These flowers hold deep personal meaning in Hawai‘i—and I wanted to honor that through my work.”
By turning ephemeral blooms into permanent art, Arlie’s glasswork offers more than aesthetic beauty; it captures emotion, nostalgia, and connection. Her creations have found homes in museums, design stores like MoMA, and even hotel installations.
One of her proudest milestones? A permanent installation at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Honolulu’s Chinatown. “It’s my claim to fame,” she says with a laugh. “Knowing my work is displayed publicly—and that people encounter it as part of their day—is incredibly fulfilling.”
“I love the idea of a forever-lei. It’s a way to preserve a moment or memory—without losing its beauty over time.”
Rooted in Hawai‘i, Unlike Anything Else
Glass may not be native to Hawai‘i, but Arlie’s work is deeply grounded in local culture and storytelling. “To the best of my knowledge, I’m the first person to ever create a glass lei in Hawai‘i,” she says. “There’s no cultural history here with glass, which makes it even more meaningful to use this medium to honor such beloved local traditions.”
Her pieces, particularly the full glass lei in shadow boxes, have become keepsakes that mark milestones and celebrate personal stories. “I love the idea of a forever-lei,” she says. “It’s a way to preserve a moment or memory—without losing its beauty over time.”
Building a Business from the Islands
Running a handcrafted art business from one of the most remote places on earth has its challenges. Arlie recalls the early days of the pandemic when she couldn’t access oxygen tanks for her torch. “That really forced me to adapt. I ended up investing in a medical-grade oxygen system just to continue producing work.”
Despite the logistical hurdles, she says building her business in Hawai‘i has been deeply rewarding. “It’s important to me to perpetuate the culture I feel so lucky to experience every day,” she explains. “There’s something sacred about living and creating here.”
Vision for the Future
As demand grows, so does Arlie’s vision. Over the next three to five years, she hopes to expand her operations by hiring a small team to manage back-end operations, marketing, and fulfillment. This, she says, will free up more time to focus on what she loves most—creating.
“I want to keep making large-scale artworks while growing the Arlie Glass brand to generate at least $1 million annually,” she shares. “But I don’t want to lose the heart behind what I do. It’s all about balance—between growth and creativity, business and artistry.”
Grounded by Love
Through every pivot and phase, Arlie credits her husband, Steve, for keeping her grounded. “He’s been with me since the very beginning of my glass journey,” she says. “From moral support to figuring out logistics, he’s always there to help me find my way.”
When asked what advice she’d offer to someone starting a creative business in Hawai‘i, Arlie doesn’t hesitate: “Embrace your biggest ideas. Don’t worry about what others are doing. You’ll feel most fulfilled when you stay true to your own vision—that’s what will make your work stand out.”
Explore Arlie’s collection of glass lei and floral art at arlie-glass.com
Follow her journey on Instagram: @arlie_glass
