We spoke with Daedra Surowiec, artist, president and life force behind Strawesome. This wonder-mom creates the loveliest reusable glass straws that are kid friendly and guaranteed for life. We found out about the most heartwarming straw she’s ever made, what else she wishes came with a lifetime guarantee, and how she got her babies to eat kale.
There are other glass straws on the market. What makes Strawesome the most awesome choice?
It’s mine! : ) I don’t compare myself to others, I just try and do my best! So does heart and soul count? Although we have standard glass straws, we also have an entire collection of ever changing styles too. And we top it all off with awesome customer service!
Are your glass straws safe for kids? Do your kids use them too?
This is actually one of the most frequent questions we’re asked! They are safe, and our two young boys use them multiple times daily. Our youngest has been using them since he ate his first foods (green smoothies!!) at 7 months old! And we get pictures sent in so often of happy kids sipping up lots of juices and smoothies.
Is coloured glass safe?
Yes, absolutely, colored glass is just as safe as clear glass. Borosilicate glass is safe compared to leaded-crystal glass and plastics. We have actually had all of our glass tested by a chemist in an independent lab to confirm that all our glass is safe and lead-free (this is important because you do not want lead to leach into your drinks!). The only difference is that colored glass has natural minerals in it that creates the colors.
You’re a mom to two little boys. How do you manage it all?
Sometimes I really don’t know how to manage it all, but I have a schedule in place that allows me to work on certain things at certain times. I know I can only do so much, so if I do feel as though I’m stressing about something, I take a step back and pause.
How did you come up with the idea to make glass straws?
A friend of mine was looking for an alternative to toxic, wasteful, plastic straws and mentioned it to me. I have friends who teach glass blowing in my area so when I asked told them about my idea, they showed me which class to take, how to order supplies, and the rest is history! I loved creating functional art from minute one!
Tell us about the coolest straw you’ve made?
I designed a custom straw for a quadriplegic customer. He had been drinking from a plastic tube from the hardware store when he came across Strawesome. He gave us the exact length (20″!) and angle for the bend that we in turn made into his special straw. Helping people is very important to me, so this warmed my heart and made my job feel extremely purposeful.
You encourage people to carry their glass straws with them on the go so they can refuse plastic disposable ones. Aren’t they fragile?
Glass straws sound a lot more delicate than they are. We all drink from glasses made of glass too! We got so many requests from people wanting to take them with them to restaurants or to work, and it was important that we found a product that reflected our values. There aren’t any glass cases that are made practically, and fabric wasn’t strong enough for many (although they are popular!). The hard cases we sell come from an awesome company that manufactures everything in a solar powered Pennsylvania warehouse. Even though the cases we carry are plastic, they are made from post-consumer BPA free plastic.
Your glass straws come with a lifetime guarantee. What else do you wish had a lifetime guarantee?
I really wish more appliances had a lifetime guarantee. We just moved into a new house and the appliances are so old that I wish the large investment could allow for updated appliances when they reach a certain age, almost like a “thank you” for hanging on to this appliance for 30 years – here’s a new one! But, that’s big business.. They’re different than the little guys.
Other than creating the prettiest glass straws, in what other ways do you see your creativity shine through?
I have a degree in architecture, and worked in the field of architecture and interior design for a few years before starting a family. I love making my creative visions for my house become a reality, whether it’s simply painting a wall (that I actually do myself), or a total remodel to make a space work better, I love it!
For more information on Strawesome, and Daedra’s beautiful creations, visit strawesome.com. Follow her tweets @BeStrawesome, and give a like on Facebook too!