I grew up in Shandong Province, China—home to one of the country’s oldest glassmaking traditions, where generations of makers have worked with glass for centuries. In my family, that history felt personal. Glassware was part of our daily life, our conversations, and the community I grew up around. It taught me early to see glass as something made to be lived with—to find its way into a home, be used often, and become part of everyday routines.

Thoughtfully designed glassware was often treated—and priced—like a special object, while more affordable options offered less in color, character, and design. I knew good design, practical use, and a reasonable price didn’t have to be separate ideas.

That became the starting point for Element Labs:

‘Give me something practical with a little color and character—easy to reach for, easy to mix with what I already have, and enough to make an ordinary drink feel a little more special.’