From Engineering to Clay
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I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a potter. In fact, for a long time, I did everything but follow my creative instincts. Like many children of immigrant parents, I was raised to prioritize stability, security, and traditional success. That meant pursuing a career in engineering- something respectable, steady, and, on paper, a smart choice.
But every day I spent in that job, I felt like a version of myself was fading away. I was doing what I thought I was supposed to do, not what I truly wanted. I felt trapped in a life that looked good on the outside but felt hollow inside. The idea of spending the rest of my life doing something that didn’t bring me joy made me feel anxious, unfulfilled, and honestly, a little heartbroken.
The Turning Point
Somewhere along the way, I discovered pottery. What started as a hobby quickly turned into something much deeper- something healing. Sitting at the wheel, shaping clay with my hands, felt like reconnecting with a part of myself I had long buried. It wasn’t just about making something beautiful. It was about reclaiming my time, my creativity, and my purpose.
Choosing pottery was choosing myself for the first time in my life.
A Scary Leap Into the Unknown
Let me be real with you. It was terrifying. I had no clue how to start a business, no idea if anyone would ever buy my pieces, and no certainty that I’d be able to make a living. I kept it a secret from my family for a while, afraid of what they’d say. In their eyes, art was not a real career. They believed in hard work, but not in clay-covered hands or creative paths.
I’ve always been a people pleaser, and going against what my family wanted was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. I felt guilt, fear, and doubt constantly. And even now, I’m still navigating those emotions.
But the truth is, I’ve never felt more alive.
Finding Joy in Every Piece
There’s a quiet joy that comes with pottery- a kind of meditative peace I never found in any office. But the most rewarding part is seeing my pottery in your homes. The messages, the photos, the happy reactions- they remind me why I took this leap in the first place. Every time someone tells me how much they love their mug, vase, or bowl, it fuels me to keep going.
I make each piece with intention, love, and a little bit of the story I just shared with you. When you bring one of my pieces into your home, you’re not just supporting a small business. You’re supporting a dream that once felt impossible.
Why I Keep Going
Pottery gave me my life back. It’s more than just art. It’s freedom, expression, and healing. I may not have all the answers, and I’m still learning how to run a business and juggle everything that comes with it, but I know one thing for sure.
This is where I’m meant to be.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, or scared to choose a different path, know that you’re not alone. And if you’re here, reading this, supporting small makers like me- thank you. You’re a part of this journey too.
If you’d like to see new pieces, sign up for my mailing list or follow along on Instagram. I release small-batch, handmade pottery that comes straight from my heart and hands to your home.
Thank you for supporting my dream!!!