Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryann Horning.
Hi Ryann, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always been a creative person, constantly exploring new mediums, techniques, and ways to bring ideas to life. My mom, Jenn Hallock, has been a stained glass artist here on the Monterey Peninsula for over 25 years, so creativity and glass art have always been a part of my world.
In 2020, during lockdown, I began working with stained glass alongside my mom in her studio. At the time, it became our little escape—a creative and safe space away from everything happening in the world. What started as something we did together quickly grew into a passion of my own.
By 2021, I began participating in local pop-up events and was amazed by the response to my work. People genuinely connected with it and wanted to take it home, which was an incredibly exciting and validating feeling.
By 2022, both of our businesses had grown beyond what my mom’s original studio could accommodate. We were dreaming bigger—of large windows, more space to create, and eventually a retail space where we could share not only our own work, but the work of other local artists as well.
Then we found what is now Studio 171. We took a leap, brought that vision to life, and officially opened our doors in March of 2022.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course, there have been plenty of bumps along the way! One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to run and grow a business. As artists, our natural instinct is to want to spend our time creating, experimenting with new ideas, and focusing on the work we love. But owning a business means there is also a whole other side to things—managing finances, inventory, schedules, marketing, and all of the day-to-day responsibilities that come with running a store. Learning to balance our creative passions with the business side has definitely been a journey, and we’ve had to come to terms with the fact that being a successful artist and business owner requires wearing a lot of different hats.
Working with family can also come with its own set of challenges. Like any business partnership, there are moments when we may not always see eye to eye or agree on every decision. But at the end of the day, we work incredibly well together and share the same vision for the future of Studio 171.
Despite the challenges, we wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t genuinely love it. Owning our own store, creating together, and watching our business grow has been such a rewarding experience. The bumps along the way have taught us a lot, and we’re still learning every day—but that’s all part of the journey.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The medium I’m best known for is stained glass. It’s what I originally built my following and business around, and it’s still an art form I truly love. I think glass is beautiful on its own and offers so many possibilities for creativity. At the same time, I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with different mediums.
I’m also really proud of becoming a business owner at a young age. We opened Studio 171 when I was 23, and now at 27, I look back and realize just how big of a leap that was. I feel incredibly grateful that I had the opportunity to build something like this so early in my life.
I think what sets me apart is that I have a clear vision for what I want Studio 171 to be and how I want people to experience it. I care about the smallest details, sometimes all the way down to the color of the price tags. While I love creating and sharing my own work, I’ve also discovered how much I enjoy curating and showcasing the work of other talented local artists. Becoming both an artist and a curator feels like exactly what I’m meant to be doing.
Most importantly, we’ve worked hard to create a space that feels welcoming to everyone. Galleries can sometimes feel intimidating or cold, and we wanted Studio 171 to feel different. Whether someone comes in to discover a new artist, leaves a note on our chalkboard, brings their dog in for a treat, or simply spends time looking around, we want everyone to feel comfortable exploring and connecting with art.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
As technology continues to evolve—especially with the rapid growth of AI—I believe people will place even greater value on quality, locally made goods. There is something deeply meaningful about owning an item that was created by a real person, with care, craftsmanship, and a connection to a specific place.
The Pacific Grove and Monterey area has long been a destination for travelers, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s a truly beautiful part of the world. When people visit, they want to take a piece of that experience home with them. Personally, whenever I travel, I make a point to seek out something made locally. It becomes more than a souvenir—it becomes a story and a memory tied to that place.
We are fortunate to welcome so many visitors to our community, and we are incredibly grateful when they choose to support local artists and makers. Not only does it make their purchase more meaningful, but it also directly supports the creative people and small businesses that help make this area special.
While I don’t see the desire for authentic, locally made goods disappearing anytime soon, one thing that will continue to evolve is the digital landscape. Social media and online marketing are constantly changing, making a strong online presence more important than ever. As a small business, adapting to those changes while staying true to our mission will continue to be both a challenge and an opportunity to grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studio171.art
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio171.pg/
