From Gladiators to glassmaking, a polymath career woman in Cornwall is smashing the glass ceiling in every sense…

Dreya Bennett is a former Gladiator Crunchie Flying Circus wing walker, professional kite surfer, now turned successful glassmaker creating beautiful works in her Newquay studio inspired by the sea.

To say Dreya’s life has been full of crazy and adrenaline-thrilled experiences is an understatement. In her twenties, she was nicknamed, ‘Dreya the Slayer’ on hit nineties TV classic, Gladiators, winning the 1996 championship and international champion against South Africa event.

Shortly after, came the even bigger screen as she landed an acting gig alongside Hollywood megastars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ewan McGregor in the ’90s cult classic surf film Blue Juice.

Then after a wild and windswept kite surfing career that spanned eight years (ranking in the world’s top ten kite surfers), Dreya wanted a career change and a slightly slower pace of life off the water. This is when an old passion was reignited – glasswork.

Coast character: Jamie Jones

From cutting her teeth in glass fusing with just a kiln in her garage, Dreya Glass was born, offering custom-made open edition, unique glass art. Her artistry marries her adventurous spirit with the natural beauty of Cornwall’s coastline. Each piece reflects her passion for the sea and nature, capturing light and movement through delicate glass.

Her bespoke work continues to capture the attention of clients worldwide. In 2023 Dreya took on a prestigious commission for the Royal Caribbean Ship, Utopia of the Seas, the world’s second largest cruise ship. While she specialises in commissioned work, Dreya also has a stunning range of unique pieces available through stockists in the UK and the US.

If there is a glass ceiling, she has definitely smashed it with gladiator strength.

Dreya explains: “Growing up on the beach, the ocean became my heartbeat, and my love for fitness drove me forward, from being a Gladiator contender to chasing the wind as a professional kitesurfer.

“Now, I pour that same energy into creating glass art. I want people everywhere to know that they can do the same – if you believe in your dream, there’s nothing stopping you from shaping it into reality.”

dreya.co.uk