Meet Meredith Staton

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meredith Staton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meredith, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
It’s interesting that this particular moment in my life is when I am doing this interview. Although I am more focusing on my creative endeavors here, my work life has recently taken a huge turn. I have been a Victim Advocate for 18 years. I have assisted hundreds of people as they walk through the criminal justice process after experiencing some of the worst things a human can experience. Although there are some very rewarding moments in being an Advocate, it also takes a toll on you and how you view the world. This past week I officially left that work in order to pursue an opportunity for an incredible city in the Metro area. Deciding to close that chapter is the single most difficult decision I have ever made. I will never forget the people who allowed me to be a part of their lives. There are so many stories that I will forever hold close to my heart.

This decision has been two years in the making. Oddly enough, creating stained glass and starting a small business has been a huge part of giving me the courage to start fresh with a new career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
For the past 18 years, I have worked with victims of crime in the Criminal Justice System. I’ve always loved my work, but it can be extremely heavy with little hope- especially in a post epidemic shutdown type of world.
I have found myself really needing new ways to find joy in my life. I ended up taking a couple of classes with ATL Glassworks and really fell in love with the process of making stained glass. I find it intriguing to work with such an unforgiving medium. Glass doesn’t always cut exactly the way you want and you have to learn how to pivot and just move forward. I have found a great sense of accomplishment in finishing each piece knowing what it took to get to the end result. Having a tangible representation of the work I put into a piece is very rewarding.

I have always respected local artists and have invested in many one of a kind pieces that I treasure. I wanted to make sure I put some solid time into honing my skills before attempting to profit from my work. I felt like I had to “put my time in” before I deserved to sit next to the incredible artists of this community. At the end of last year, something just clicked and I decided it was time. After over two years of practice, looked into starting a business. The name was super important to get just right. I wanted it to be something different and unique to me. Luella is a nickname given to me by my hilarious and loving stepdad. This incredible man unfortunately passed away from COVID in 2021 and this seemed like a good way to pay respect to him. I guess it’s my own little way of having him be a part of this journey. I decided upon Oddly Luella because I’ve always been a little different. After turning 40 last year, I’m choosing to embrace the weird!

Being an artist has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. As a kid I was always working on some type of art project using my foldout art kit (IYKYK). Although my creative business is more of a side hustle than full time gig, I can still say I am an artist who gets paid for their work. I am very grateful for this to be a reality, but I’m even more thankful that others actually like what I create. To have people like something that started in my brain is one of the highest compliments I could hope for. I am really intentional when making my pieces. I try to focus on positive thoughts and lovingkindness when creating something, hoping it will somehow be felt by the person who ends up with each piece. My hope is that my work can bring a little bit of joy into someone’s world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think one of my favorite things to do in Atlanta is to attend events at Oakland Cemetery. I think people don’t realize how awesome it is because they think hanging out in a cemetery is strange. To the contrary, it is a beautiful place that is full of life and stories. Oakland does an incredible job at offering all sorts of tours to pay tribute to the residents there. Whether it be their love story event for Valentine’s, the Spirit of Oakland tour at Halloween, their amazing plant sales, or Illumine; there is something to do year round. I have even attended a yoga practice there! If you’re in the area, Oakland is a must.

Food….there are so many amazing food places in Atlanta. One of my favorites that also supports local artists is Homegrown on Memorial. I could seriously eat breakfast there every day and never get tired of it. There are so many trendy places around the city but this is a laid back, welcoming spot that is a must. On the other end of the price range is Georgia Boy. It is the Michelin Guide recommended brain child of Chef Joey Ward. Imagine a Willy Wonka, out of this world experience that cannot be described, it simply has to be experienced. It is worth every penny and you may have to budget in advanced for this one.

There are so many neighborhoods that I love around town. Hang in Little 5 Points for eclectic shopping, choose from endless beer choices at the Porter, or eat some Thai 5 & Sushi. If you happen to be around for Halloween, the L5P parade is such a good time! While you’re in the city, you have to stop by East Atlanta Village. There are some great restaurants/bars: Midway Pub and the incredible Gaja Korean Bar are two of my favorites. Mid day on the weekend, you can usually catch some sort of artist market in the area. For some late night entertainment, catch a show at the EARL. You won’t be disappointed.

Another thing I love about Atlanta is the music scene. There are so many incredible artists that you can discover at any given time. My favorite venues are the Tabernacle, the Eastern, Terminal West, and Variety Playhouse. You should also consider some smaller venues like Vinyl, Smith’s Olde Bar, and the aforementioned EARL. Sure, you can see the bigger shows at the various sporting event venues, but the smaller ones are where you will find the heart of the music scene. You may even get a signed setlist from the next big thing!

Lastly, I would be remiss if I failed to mention taking a class from ATL Glassworks. Whether it be their beginner classes, their glass painting classes, or their more advanced offerings; you will walk away feeling like a part of Atlanta’s creative community.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Day Kennedy (@daylightglassworks) and Ashlan Darsey (@havesomemoreatl) have both been a huge encouragement to me. Day is the owner of ATL Glassworks where I get all of my supplies and take classes centered around this art form. Day and Ashlan are both incredible artist who create flawless work. For the two of these amazing humans to even consider me as a part of their field is beyond comprehension. They could have kept their secrets and tips to themselves. But, instead they share their knowledge freely. Making room for anyone who wants to be a part of the stained glass community. This is how it should be- lifting each other up and encouraging each other.

I also have a wonderful group of friends that have been encouraging to me throughout this process. Without their support, I don’t know where I would be!

Basically my business wouldn’t exist without women who choose to empower other women.

Instagram: @oddly_luella