Lisa Richardson- Bach
Lisa’s career journey is a striking blend of technical expertise and creative exploration. She began with a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering from MIT and a master’s in Flight Sciences from George Washington University, spending 12 years as an aerospace engineer specializing in accident investigation. Despite her success in the field, Lisa sought a more creative outlet and discovered her passion for glass art after taking a stained glass class, which led her to focus on fused glass — a medium that allows her to transform flat sheets of glass into dynamic, tactile, and color-rich works of art.
For the past 30 years, Lisa has run Seaside Glass and Beading from her home studio in Marblehead, creating fused and stained glass pieces as well as glass cabochon jewelry. She emphasizes color, line, and the interactive qualities of glass, crafting pieces that engage with light and invite touch. Beyond her personal work, Lisa has been teaching glass art for approximately 20 years at conferences, local studios, and at Montserrat College in Beverly, inspiring both children and adults — particularly those who initially doubt their creative abilities. She also applies her analytical skills as a math and science tutor for high school students, a role she has maintained for around 15 years.
Lisa’s philosophy blends persistence, curiosity, and openness to opportunity, guiding both her art and teaching. She has received numerous awards for her glasswork, including Best in Show and Outstanding Work, with pieces held in private collections nationally and internationally. Beyond her studio, she is an active member of the Art Council at Montserrat College and serves as art chair for a local organization, continuing to nurture both her community and the next generation of artists.
• Certificate in Accident Investigation on Jet Engines
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology- B.S.M.E.
• George Washington University- M.S.
• Best in Show (twice)
• Outstanding Work (twice)
• Art Council at Montserrat College
• Artwork Donations to Montserrat College
• Artwork Donations to Animal Shelters
What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes down to literally putting one foot in front of the other. Every time I couldn't get a design out, or I felt like I wasn't going anywhere with it, I would say yes to an opportunity that I didn't know what was gonna pan out. I'd put one foot in front of the other, and yeah, sometimes they didn't, but a lot of times, a connection then led to another connection that then sparked me to grow in the business and keep on going. So it was to keep my eyes and ears open and accept possible opportunities. I love telling the story of how I got asked by another tutor if I'd be willing to take on a student in chemistry. I was completely loaded, didn't have a slot. He had a compelling story - he was an orphan from Ukraine, and it's like, alright. To make a long story short, I'm still tutoring him, but his mom's the one that got me the connection with Montserrat College. I'm now teaching with them, I've met other people through them, of which I've sold commissions - the connection has been phenomenal, and it's all because I'm a sucker for a sad case. That's the kind of thing I'm saying - if you keep your eyes open and open to connections and opportunities, and not that 'oh, this is gonna get me something,' it's like, hey, why not? Take a flyer and see what happens.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the financial industry to keep their eyes and ears open, embrace every opportunity, and say yes to connections to see where they might lead.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both work and life are persistence, openness to opportunity, and a commitment to engaging with creativity, craftsmanship, and teaching others.