AO Glass
AO Glass is a founder-owned handblown glassware studio in Burlington, Vermont, founded in 2007, that designs and manufactures drinkware, decorative figurines, vases, and art glass sold direct-to-consumer, through museum and specialty wholesale partners across 8 US states, and via on-site glassblowing classes and custom contract orders.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2007
- HeadquartersBurlington, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AO Glass does
AO Glass is a privately held, founder-operated handblown glassware studio based in Burlington, Vermont, founded in 2007 by Rich Arentzen and Tove Ohlander, who met at Sweden's National School of Glass in Orrefors in 1994. The studio manufactures drinkware (beer glasses, wine glasses, whiskey tumblers, champagne flutes, pitchers), decorative figurines (Tomte Gnomes, Champ the Lake Monster, Snow Folk, polar bears), art glass using the Graal technique, vases, bowls, ornaments, and suncatchers, applying Scandinavian and Italian-American glassblowing traditions including a rare 1880 antique glass press. The company monetizes through four streams: direct-to-consumer retail sales via aoglass.com and its flagship studio-store, wholesale distribution to museum gift shops and specialty retailers across 8 US states, hands-on glassblowing classes at $175 per person, and custom/contract orders for corporate gifts and institutional buyers. Distribution combines its own e-commerce site (powered by SquareSpace) and physical studio with channel partners including the Smithsonian, Swedish American Museum, Vesterheim Museum, and Vermont hospitality venues such as Hotel Vermont and Barr Hill Distillery. The business is entirely founder-owned, operates without institutional capital, and has no disclosed AI capabilities or technology platform beyond standard e-commerce and shipping tooling.
AO Glass firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AO Glass
- Legal name
- AO Glass, LLC
- Website
- https://aoglass.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2007
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AO Glass is a founder-owned handblown glassware studio in Burlington, Vermont, founded in 2007, that designs and manufactures drinkware, decorative figurines, vases, and art glass sold direct-to-consumer, through museum and specialty wholesale partners across 8 US states, and via on-site glassblowing classes and custom contract orders.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AO Glass industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Handblown Glassware and Glass Art
- NAICS
- Other Pressed and Blown Glass and Glassware Manufacturing (327212), Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing (3272)
- SIC
- Glass & Glassware, Pressed Or Blown (3220), Glass Products, Made Of Purchased Glass (3231)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Food & Beverage Glass Packaging (Beer, Wine, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Water) (IMALAEAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Specialty & Decorative Glass Packaging (Custom Shapes, Embossed, Premium) (IMALAEAE)
Keywords
Where AO Glass is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Burlington
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
AO Glass business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Retail Product Sales: One-time sales of handblown glass products including drinkware, vases, bowls, ornaments, and art glass through e-commerce and retail partnerships.
- Glass Blowing Classes: Hands-on glassblowing experiences where participants create their own glass piece under expert guidance, priced at $175 per person for approximately one-hour sessions.
- Group Glass Activities: Immersive group experiences including demonstrations, hands-on stamping activities, and exclusive art glass sessions for team-building and events, with tiered pricing from $300 to $1,000+.
- Custom/Contract Orders: Bespoke glass manufacturing for corporate gifts, wedding favors, and branded glassware with custom stamping and engraving capabilities.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Drinkware (Glasses, Flutes, Tumblers) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Functional Glass (Pitchers, Bowls, Vases) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Folklore Figures (Tomte Gnomes, Champ, Snow Folk) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Suncatchers & Ornaments |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Art Glass (High-value pieces) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Glass Blowing Classes |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Group Glass Activities |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gift Cards |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels6 records
AO Glass product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AO Glass designs, handblows, and sells artisan glassware — drinkware (beer glasses, wine glasses, whiskey tumblers, champagne flutes, water glasses, highballs, pitchers), decorative figurines (Tomte gnomes, Champ Lake Monster, Snow Folk, Polar Bears), vases, bowls, art glass (Graal bowls), suncatchers, ornaments, and holiday decor — from its Burlington, Vermont studio. The company also offers hands-on glassblowing classes, group activities/events, and custom stamping and engraving services for personalized and corporate-branded glassware.
Product overview
AO Glass is a family-owned handblown glass studio in Burlington, Vermont, offering a diverse portfolio of handcrafted glass products. Their offerings center on drinkware (beer glasses, wine glasses, whiskey tumblers, champagne flutes, water glasses, and pitchers), decorative figurines (Tomte gnomes, Champ lake monsters, polar bears, snowfolk), art glass (Graal bowls, pressed glass pieces), vases (Flair Vase, Folk Vase, Watercolor Vase, Bag Vase, Bloom Tote), bowls (Harvest Bowl, Jenny Lind Bowl), tabletop items (cake stands), and home decor (suncatchers, ornaments, holiday trees, design dishes, tealight holders). They provide experiential offerings including glass blowing classes and group activities. The studio also offers customization services including custom engraving, stamping, and design assistance for personalized glassware. Their products are sold directly through their online store and at their Burlington studio/shop, with distribution through various retail partners across the US.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Drinkware Collection Handblown drinkware including beer glasses, tall stemless wine glasses, whiskey/rocks tumblers, hammered rocks and highball glasses, stemless champagne flutes (Champlain Flutes), farmhouse water glasses, and the House Glass — designed for craft beverage appreciation and everyday home use with hot-stamped AO Glass logos or custom engraving available.
- Glass Pitchers Handblown glass pitchers including the Maple Syrup Pitcher (small Vermont-themed pitcher), Water Pitcher (carafe that doubles as a vase), and Curve Pitcher (with hand-pulled spout) — designed for beverage service, home décor, or as gifts.
- Tomte Gnome Collection Handcrafted glass gnome figurines inspired by Nordic folklore, available in 16+ hat colors with uniquely hand-shaped bodies and distinctive red noses — collectible decorative folk art tied to Scandinavian heritage.
- Holiday Folklore Figurines (Champ, Polar Bear, Snow Folk) Hand-sculpted tabletop glass figurines: Champ the Lake Monster (Vermont folklore, multiple colors), Polar Bears (charismatic tabletop bear figures), and Snow Folk (winter season characters) — part of the holiday collection produced since 2007.
- Handblown Vases (Folk, Watercolor, Flair, Bag, Bloom Tote) Handblown decorative vases including the Folk/Union Vase (Scandinavian-inspired wedding gift), Watercolor Vase (Italian and Scandinavian technique blending), Flair Vase (partnership design with Hans Kristian Duran), Bag Vase, and Bloom Tote (upgrade glass bag vase with solid handle) — functional art for home décor and gifts.
- Graal Art Glass Bowls Decorative art glass bowls made using the Graal technique (developed by Orrefors of Sweden in 1916), layering colored glass to create functional works of art with visual depth, including the Graal Bowl – Flowers from $2,200 and AO Bowl from $380.
- Handblown Bowls (Harvest, Jenny Lind, Community Bowl) Handblown bowls including the Harvest Bowl (fall harvest-inspired, Italian and Scandinavian techniques) and the Jenny Lind Bowl (pressed glass custard bowl reproduced on an antique 1880 glass press, originally a Cambridge Glass design from circa 1956 honoring Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind).
- Hand-Stamped Suncatchers Hand-stamped glass suncatchers available in designs including Heart, Snowflake, Paw, Camel's Hump, Skis, Snowman, Vermont outline, Dala Horse, Train, Bernie, Whale Tails, Lady Liberty, Queen, Bike, Camper, Flower, and Solar Eclipse — $30 each.
- Glass Holiday Ornaments (Champ, Polar Bear, Snow Folk) Hanging ornament versions of the Champ Lake Monster ($65), Snow Folk ($82), and Polar Bear ($82), designed to celebrate Vermont folklore and the winter holiday season.
- Vermont Holiday Glass Trees Hand-sculpted and engraved glass trees including the Vermont Green Tree (green) and Ice Storm Tree (clear version) — each uniquely hand-sculpted and signed by AO Glass with the year.
- Tabletop and Design Dishes (Cake Stand, Design Dish) Handblown tabletop pieces including the Cake Stand (designed by Rich Arentzen) and pressed-glass Design Dishes with raised house motif — functional serveware and décor accents.
- Pressed Glass Tealight Holders Hand-pressed votive candle holders using the antique 1880s glass press, including the Crystal Flower tealight holder — a vintage-style home décor candle accessory.
- AO Glass Digital Gift Cards Digital gift cards available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, $100, $125, $150, and $200, redeemable for merchandise in the AO Glass online store and never expiring.
- Custom Engraving and Branded Glassware Custom hand engraving and hot stamping of individual glass items, plus partnered production of branded glassware for companies and institutions including logos subtly stamped or incorporated into the glass — supports personal gifts, corporate gifts, and wedding favors.
- Glassblowing Classes Hands-on, approximately one-hour glassblowing experiences in which participants create their own unique hot glass piece under expert guidance from AO Glass's gaffers, priced at $175 per person.
- Group Glass Activities (Demos, Stamping, Private Art Glass Sessions) Immersive glass programs for groups and corporate teams including live Intro to Glassblowing Demonstrations (3–6 participants from $300), Hot Glass Stamping Activities (from $400), and Exclusive Art Glass Demonstrations (from $1,000) for team-building, bachelorette parties, birthdays, and private events.
Companies that use AO Glass
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
AO Glass technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature4 records
AO Glass partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- The Smithsonian InstitutioncoreThe Smithsonian ordered 500 glass Snow Folk figures in 2012 through facilitation by Senator Bernie Sanders' office. This order was part of an initiative to offer more American-made gifts at the Smithsonian's legendary museum store, representing a significant institutional endorsement of AO Glass craftsmanship.
- Swedish American MuseumminorMuseum gift shop in Chicago, IL selling AO Glass products, particularly those with Scandinavian heritage such as Tomte gnomes and Dala horse items.
- Vesterheim MuseumminorNorwegian-American museum gift shop in Decorah, IA featuring AO Glass products that align with their Scandinavian heritage focus.
- Barr Hill DistilleryminorVermont distillery that sells AO Glass drinkware at their Montpelier tasting room, featuring AO Glass beer glasses and cocktail pieces.
- Runamok MapleminorVermont maple syrup producer partnered with AO Glass for Waffle Day events, providing syrup tastings during maple season celebrations at the studio.
- La Reprise Wine BarminorNeighboring wine bar in Burlington that AO Glass recommends to group event attendees for post-activity refreshments, creating a local hospitality partnership.
- Frog Hollow Vermont (85 Church St, Burlington)minorFrog Hollow featured an AO Glass retrospective exhibit (15+ years of work) in 2024, showcasing Arentzen and Ohlander collaboration.
- VT Maple Sugar Makers AssociationminorAO Glass is a partner in Maple Open House Weekend, Vermont's premier spring maple event, participating alongside sugar houses throughout the state.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AO Glass competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Anthropologie: Anthropologie is a national lifestyle retailer selling curated artisan glassware, vases, and home decor including drinkware and decorative pieces from independent makers. Comparable in carry role for premium artisan glass home goods, though it operates as a retailer, not a maker.
- Waterford Crystal: Waterford is an established premium crystal and glassware brand offering drinkware and decorative pieces through department stores and brand stores globally. Comparable in product category (premium drinkware/gift glass) but at much larger scale and broader assortment.
Emerging players
- Cape Cod Bay Glass (Cape Cod Glass Co.): Cape Cod Glass produces small-batch handblown glassware in Massachusetts, with a studio-retail model. Comparable in studio-based handblown glass production and DTC regional artisan positioning.
Direct peers
- Orrefors: Orrefors is the Swedish glass maker whose Graal technique AO Glass explicitly uses; produces handcrafted drinkware, art glass, and decorative pieces. Directly comparable in Scandinavian glass tradition, premium craftsmanship, and Graal-decorated product category.
- Moser Glassworks: Moser is a Czech handcrafted luxury glassmaker producing drinkware, vases, and decorative art pieces. Comparable in artisan handblown positioning, premium pricing, and gift/collectible market focus.
- Fenton Art Glass: Fenton Art Glass is a US handcrafted glass company producing decorative glassware, vases, bowls, and collectibles in small artisan batches. Directly comparable in handcraft glass collectibles and gift-shop retail channel exposure.
- Simon Pearce: Simon Pearce is a Vermont-based handblown glass and pottery manufacturer with a flagship retail store, restaurant, and nationwide wholesale distribution. Directly comparable to AO Glass in product category (handblown glassware), origin (Vermont), and business model (DTC studio + retail partners).
- Blenko Glass Company: Blenko is a US handblown glass manufacturer producing decorative and functional glassware including ornaments, drinkware, and art pieces. Directly comparable in product category (handblown glass collectibles and functional ware) and craftsmanship-led positioning.
- Kosta Boda: Kosta Boda is a Swedish handblown glassware and art glass brand producing drinkware, vases, bowls, and collectibles. Comparable in Scandinavian heritage, handcrafted artistry, and decorative/functional product range.
Others
- Etsy (artisan marketplace): Etsy is the leading online marketplace for handmade artisan goods including glassware; many small-batch glassmakers sell directly through Etsy. Comparable as a channel where AO Glass peers and adjacent artisans reach gift-buyers online.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AO Glass social profiles
Digital presenceAO Glass financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AO Glass leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
AO Glass funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AO Glass M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AO Glass
What does AO Glass do?
AO Glass designs, handblows, and sells artisan glassware — drinkware (beer glasses, wine glasses, whiskey tumblers, champagne flutes, water glasses, highballs, pitchers), decorative figurines (Tomte gnomes, Champ Lake Monster, Snow Folk, Polar Bears), vases, bowls, art glass (Graal bowls), suncatchers, ornaments, and holiday decor — from its Burlington, Vermont studio. The company also offers hands-on glassblowing classes, group activities/events, and custom stamping and engraving services for personalized and corporate-branded glassware.
Is AO Glass a public or private company?
AO Glass is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was AO Glass founded?
AO Glass was founded in 2007. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AO Glass based?
AO Glass is headquartered in Burlington, United States, in the North America region.
How does AO Glass make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Retail Product Sales are the primary driver. The others are glass Blowing Classes, group Glass Activities and custom/Contract Orders.
Who are AO Glass's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Anthropologie and Waterford Crystal. Cape Cod Bay Glass (Cape Cod Glass Co.) is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Orrefors, Moser Glassworks, Fenton Art Glass, Simon Pearce, Blenko Glass Company and Kosta Boda. Etsy (artisan marketplace) is listed as an others.
Does AO Glass have an API?
No public API is recorded for AO Glass.
What industry is AO Glass in?
AO Glass's product category is Handblown Glassware and Glass Art. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAEAA, Food & Beverage Glass Packaging (Beer, Wine, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Water), with a secondary code of IMALAEAE, Specialty & Decorative Glass Packaging (Custom Shapes, Embossed, Premium). Its NAICS code is 327212 and its SIC code is 3220.