Social Practice community relationship co-ordinator Sandra Hosking and her husband Mark are the heart and hands behind Sunflower Glass Studio NZ, a glass art business born from grief.
In 2011, their lives were shattered when they lost their only child, Jessica, during her OE in Paris.
Jess, a spirited and creative 19-year-old, loved photography, jewellery making, music, and the sea.
Her sudden passing left a massive void in her parents’ lives—but also sparked a journey of healing through creativity.
Among Jess’s belongings, Sandra discovered a collection of gemstones she had collected and kept safe. Inspired by this, Sandra began beading and launched MS J Jewellery Ltd in 2012, named for Mark, Sandra, and Jess.
In 2017, the couple explored kiln glasswork, and by 2019, torchwork (using a torch to heat and shape glass) became central to their art.
Today, Sunflower Glass Studio NZ is a celebration of colour, memory, and craftsmanship. The studio specialises in vibrant, one-of-a-kind pieces—from fish, sand beads and orbs, to custom jewellery incorporating ashes of loved ones or pets.
Every necklace piece is marked with a tiny sunflower, Jess’s favourite flower, also featured in the business’s logo. In a touching tribute, two chairs also sit on Tairua and Piha Beaches—places Jess loved—to honour her time as a lifeguard and her deep connection to the sea.
“We’re passionate about celebrating artistry, craftsmanship, and the enduring beauty of glass,” Sandra says. “Our mission is to bring beauty, light, and Jess’s enduring spirit into our customers’ space.
“Every piece is lovingly handcrafted and there’s no waste — every fragment is repurposed, ensuring sustainability in our art.
“Funky Fish are our best sellers across all ages – they make people laugh. They all come with their own personalities, and they even have their own lipstick!”
While their work brings joy to their customers, it has also brought a sense of acceptance for Sandra and Mark.
Sandra’s journey back to Unitec in 2013 marked a turning point in her grief.
After initially starting her Bachelor of Business in 2004 and working part-time in programme administration, Sandra left Unitec in 2007 for a dream job as a training co-ordinator for a large company. But following Jess’s passing, she found herself emotionally and physically lost.
Unitec welcomed her back through work experience, and by December 2013, Sandra was employed in the Social Practice team, helping to redesign business practicum placement processes for social work students and building strong community connections.
Over the years, the Social Practice team has helped shape the placements to meet the requirements of professional bodies, organisations and ākonga. Sandra is a key member of the team, supporting ākonga through their hands-on learning journeys by facilitating connections and creating workplace opportunities.
Sandra says her role at Unitec has been more than just a job—it’s been a source of structure, purpose and connection.
“Working with future community support workers and social workers and being part of their growth has been incredibly healing,” she says. “It’s helped me find meaning after immense loss. That and our art are what keeps me going.”
Sandra and Mark are exhibiting their glass work at the Whau Community Art Expo 2025 New Lynn Community Centre until Thursday 23 October.
Their works are also featured at Art Salon Session 2 taking place at the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush until Saturday, 22 November.