Yes, it's our last name

Welcome to Glaze

Get in touch
 

A contemporary approach to classic goods

Glaze is a New York City-based design studio offering a contemporary approach to classic goods. It was founded by husband and wife duo Akeem & Steph Glaze. Since its inception in 2017, their eponymous studio has been dedicated to producing authentic, top-quality items with exceptional attention to detail. With a harmonious balance between form, function, and experience, Glaze's products showcase a captivating yet understated elegance that seamlessly integrates into any contemporary living space. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and delicately imbued with influences from the duo’s roots in both Palm Beach and the Northeast.

Early days of Glaze

In 2009, during his freshman year at Rhode Island School of Design, Akeem created a wooden matchbox for a class project. After the course concluded, Akeem continued making these wooden matchboxes, and shared them among his family and friends.

Fast forward to Akeem's sophomore year, where he crossed paths with Steph, who was also pursuing a degree in Industrial Design. Their connection blossomed as they toiled away during late-night shifts in the woodshop, and a profound love for each other and their craft took root.

Following their graduation, Steph and Akeem ventured into the corporate realm, dedicating five years to their respective careers. However, the allure of crafting matchboxes persisted, and they began selling their creations at alumni craft sales hosted by RISD. Much to their surprise, their wooden matchboxes sold out each sale.

Recognizing the potential of their passion project, Steph made the move to New York City in 2017, where they officially established Glaze Studio. The living room of their Brooklyn apartment was transformed into a makeshift studio, marking the inception of their entrepreneurial journey.

Our values

  • Handcrafted in NYC

    Made with meticulous attention to detail.

  • Forever pieces

    Built to last. Designed to be replenished.

  • Made with natural materials

    Handpicked for their innate qualities and lasting impact.

  • Sourced locally and responsibly

    We partner with American lumberyards and beekeepers.

  • Form and function

    Innovation through form, material, and utility is an integral part of our design process as we continue to develop new products at Glaze.

  • Product iterations

    Through hand sketches, mock-ups, digital modeling, and 3D printing, we are able to quickly produce usable prototypes in order to perfect form and function before moving forward with production. We believe that problem solving through experimentation is crucial to developing inspiring design solutions.

  • American lumberyards and beekeepers

    Each piece is made with integrity in collaboration with small, family-owned American lumberyards, woodworkers, and beekeepers. All of our materials are responsibly sourced and carefully selected for their innate qualities and bold characteristics.

  • Handmade in New York City

    All candle pouring and matchbox finishing work is done at Glaze’s design studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This is where our products come to life. The Glaze team meticulously completes each piece by hand, ensuring all details are in place for a consistent final product experience.

    Visit our Instagram page for a closer look at our manufacturing processes.