Today we’d like to introduce you to Fumi McFarland.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I moved from Japan to Houston in 2019, I found myself starting over in many ways. I was adjusting to a new country, learning English, and trying to figure out what my next chapter would look like.
Not long after moving, I discovered Glass Sand Art. As I practiced, I realized it wasn’t just something I enjoyed creating—it also brought me a sense of calm and happiness. That made me think, “If this art can make me feel this way, maybe it can make other people smile too.”
I started by offering workshops within the Japanese community, participating in local markets, and sharing my work on social media. Little by little, more people became interested, and opportunities began to grow. Some of my videos reached millions of views, which introduced Glass Sand Art to people around the world, but what means the most to me is seeing someone create something they never thought they could make.
Looking back, Glass Sand Art didn’t just become my business. It helped me improve my English, build confidence, meet incredible people, and create a new life in Houston. It’s amazing how one small step can completely change your path.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest challenges was introducing an art form that almost no one in the United States had heard of. Since Glass Sand Art isn’t widely known here, I couldn’t simply expect people to understand what it was. I had to introduce it little by little through workshops, markets, DIY kits, and social media.
There were definitely moments when I wondered if anyone would be interested. Starting a business in a second language while building a new life in a different country wasn’t always easy. But instead of focusing on how unfamiliar Glass Sand Art was, I focused on helping people experience it for themselves. Once they tried it, many people were surprised by how relaxing and enjoyable it was.
I also couldn’t have done it without the support of my husband, family, friends, customers, and everyone who encouraged me along the way. Their belief in me helped me continue, even during times when I wasn’t sure where the journey would lead.
Building a business is never truly a solo journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has been part of mine.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Glass Sand Art artist, instructor, entrepreneur, and content creator based in Houston. I create original artwork, teach workshops for both children and adults, collaborate with companies and organizations, and share my creative process through social media.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with organizations like the Houston Spindletop Holiday Ball and create a campaign for McDonald’s Canada. Whether I’m working with a large company or teaching someone’s very first workshop, my goal is always the same—to create an experience that brings people joy.
One thing I specialize in is making Glass Sand Art feel approachable. Whether I’m teaching a workshop or creating short videos online, I try to break the process into simple, easy-to-follow steps so people think, “Maybe I can do that too.”
One of the most rewarding parts of my work is watching someone who says, “I’m not creative,” leave with a piece they’re genuinely proud of. I believe art doesn’t have to be intimidating—it should be something that welcomes everyone.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust the journey, even when I can’t see exactly where it’s leading. There’s a Japanese saying that I love: “Don’t hesitate. Just take the first step, and you’ll understand once you get there.”
When I moved to the U.S., I didn’t have a detailed business plan or a clear roadmap. I simply kept saying yes to opportunities, learning from each experience, and taking one step at a time. Looking back, many of the opportunities I’m most grateful for only happened because I was willing to begin before I felt completely ready.
Being different also turned out to be one of my biggest strengths. Glass Sand Art wasn’t well known here, but instead of seeing that as a disadvantage, I learned to embrace it.
Most importantly, none of this would have been possible without the support of my husband, family, friends, customers, and the wonderful community that has encouraged me along the way. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.
If there’s one thing I hope people take from my story, it’s that you don’t have to wait until you feel completely ready to begin. There will always be something that makes you feel uncertain. For me, it was moving to a new country and building a business in my second language. For someone else, it might be a different challenge entirely.
Today, we have more resources than ever before to help us learn, communicate, and explore new ideas—including AI. These tools won’t replace curiosity, hard work, or perseverance, but they can make taking that first step feel a little less intimidating.
Don’t let fear, language, or the feeling of not being ready stop you from trying. You may be surprised by where that first step leads.
Pricing:
- Private Glass Sand Art Workshops – Starting at $38 per person
- Mobile Workshops – Starting at $248 (up to 6 participants)
- Original Glass Sand Art – Starting at $27.99
- Custom Glass Sand Art – Starting at $150
- Glass Sand Art DIY Kits – Starting at $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.glasssandart.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/glasssandart_co
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlassSandArt.co?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@glasssandart
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@glasssandart.co?_t=8ZpL1IlC2jm&_r=1
