What We Believe

We believe meaningful relationships are at the heart of a life well lived.

Family. Friendship. Shared moments. These are the places where stories are formed — often quietly, often imperfectly, and almost always in ways that matter more than we realize at the time.

We also believe it’s becoming harder to stay truly present with the people we love most. Our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, and meaningful moments can pass by faster than we intend — not because we don’t care, but because life moves quickly.

afterglohe is rooted in the belief that slowing down matters. That warmth matters. That light has a way of drawing people together — inviting reflection, conversation, and presence in a way that feels intimate and unforced.

We believe memories aren’t meant to live only on screens. They deserve a place in our homes and in our everyday lives — not as distractions, but as gentle reminders of what we hold dear.

How It Began

afterglohe began during a season that forced us to slow down.

In 2025, after Danny was unexpectedly laid off from his career in automotive design, we found ourselves with space we hadn’t planned for — time to reflect, to reassess, and to ask deeper questions about what we wanted to build and why.

Rather than rushing toward the next thing, we paused.

Surrounded by family photos and shared memories, we kept coming back to the same thought: how do we honor the moments that shaped us — while staying present enough to create new ones? We weren’t looking to create something disposable or trend-driven. We wanted to build something meaningful. Something lasting.

That question became the foundation for afterglohe.

Drawing inspiration from a centuries-old technique later known as lithophane, we spent months refining hundreds of prototypes — exploring materials, light diffusion, form, and construction — always returning to the same question: does this deepen the experience, or distract from it?

Over time, a clear answer emerged.

We realized that light — warm, intimate light — has a way of slowing people down. It invites reflection. It creates space for conversation and laughter. It brings memories forward without demanding attention. By pairing that light with personal imagery, we found a way to celebrate past moments while gently anchoring ourselves in the present.

Each afterglohe is now crafted by hand in West Michigan with care, intention, and an unwavering attention to detail. It’s our way of turning belief into something tangible — a piece designed not just to be seen, but to be experienced.

Looking Ahead

As afterglohe grows, the measure of success isn’t scale — it’s staying true to the beliefs that started it.

Every decision we make moving forward is guided by the same question that shaped our beginning: does this help people slow down, be present, and honor the relationships that matter most?

We’re committed to growing thoughtfully — listening closely to the stories people share with us, refining our craft with care, and expanding only in ways that deepen meaning rather than distract from it.

Our aim isn’t to create more for the sake of more. It’s to continue creating with intention — pieces that feel personal, enduring, and grounded in the values that brought afterglohe to life.

Spread the Glohe ✨

afterglohe has always been about more than the pieces we create — it’s about the stories they carry and the relationships they help illuminate.

If you already own an afterglohe, we’d love for you to share how it lives in your home. Tag us, share a photo, or tell us the story behind your afterglohe. Seeing how others celebrate and remember inspires our work and helps broaden this community.

And as we grow, we’re committed to giving back.

A portion of every afterglohe supports local West Michigan organizations that strengthen and promote healthy family relationships — causes that reflect the same values of presence, connection, and care that shaped our beginnings. It’s our way of extending the glohe beyond our homes and into the community around us.

Whether you’re creating your own personal story, gifting one to someone you love, or simply taking a moment to slow down — thank you for being part of what makes afterglohe meaningful.

Keep gloheing,

Danny & Maria