These conversations will provide an exclusive look at the artistic journeys of IndieMe artists, offering insights into how they turn visions into reality and the challenges they overcome along the way. Join me as we delve into the creative minds behind the art, exploring the passion and dedication that fuel their work.

**Who or what inspires your designs and creations?**

I find inspiration in creating things that bring joy, tranquility, and connection. Seeing the happy expressions on visitors’ faces as they enter my space and admire the colorful designs and shapes fills me with joy. Providing a peaceful moment for someone to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea alone or with a dear friend is also a great source of inspiration for me. Crafting a unique bowl or platter for a favorite meal to share is another way I stay motivated. Above all, helping individuals find a heartfelt gift for their loved ones is a truly rewarding experience that inspires me to keep creating.

Do you have a favorite piece you like to make?

I love making the rainbow vases. They are a lot of fun to build and add color to. They are such a unique way to show off a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

How do you stay motivated and inspired when faced with creative blocks?

I stay motivated by learning about different artists, their techniques or styles. That helps drive me to get back into the studio to see what I can do next. Even if I do not come up with new ideas, it is fun to see how I can improve on what I already create. If I am struggling with motivation, I just start playing with the clay and see what it becomes. Usually, a new form or shape will come out of the play that I eventually use in future pieces.

**Any tips for time management and organization?**

I am always trying to learn more tips and tricks for time management and organization. I have to keep everything scheduled on my phone and in Google Calendar. I like to print out all my orders highlight order dates and then mark on a wall calendar when they should be shipped out.

What challenges did you face when starting your handmade business?

A challenge I faced was taking great photographs to showcase my pieces the way that I wanted them to look. Another challenge was making sure I had my store set up correctly so that it was easy to navigate for customers.

Can you share any advice for creating engaging content that resonates with your audience?

This is actually another challenge that I face. I am trying to stay on top of social media and creating content along with everything else. Every day I am working a little more on content and engaging my audience.

Personal Insights

How did you get started in creating handmade items?

I started learning about ceramics in 1999 in a college class. Clay immediately became a passion, and have been learning more and more about it ever since. I started selling my pieces at an area farmer’s market. From there, I started doing pop-up market events. In 2022-2023 went through the emerging artist program through the St. Louis Art Fair, which was life and career-changing. It was such an amazing program, I learned so much and made so many wonderful contacts. For the past few years, I have been exhibiting nationwide and various Fine Art Festivals. Then, just this year I found Indie Me and am so excited to be an Indie Me Artist.

How do you balance your personal life with running your business?

Balance, what’s that? Ha! I try to keep working hours between 7am-4pm. After that it is family time. There are some weeks where I will have to work on pieces either early in the morning or late at night, but really try to stay on top of things so that doesn’t happen. A lot of scheduling, communication with my family, and organization helps with balancing everything.

Industry Trends

**How do you keep up with trends and changes in the handmade industry?**

I found that I do not really keep up with certain trends since I make work that is personal to me. I do like to stay on top of some marketing trends and different updated techniques.

Selling to Boutiques and Buyers

How do you prepare your product line or pitch for a boutique or store?

I prepare my product line and pitch by connecting emotion to my pieces and my brand. Each piece is something that I would personally use and enjoy. Each of my colors and symbols have a personal meaning to me. My hope is that energy and love that I put into making each piece can be felt by buyers.

Can you describe your experience with trade shows, vendor shows, and/or craft fairs?

I really like doing shows and being able to speak face-to-face with people. I like making connections and being able to talk about my process and my work. I really love hearing how buyers will use my pieces, what connections they have to it, and who they may be giving one of my pieces to. There can be a lot of ups and downs with doing shows and festivals, but I feel that something good comes from each experience.

What are the most common questions or concerns that boutiques or buyers have?

Some common questions are:
“Do you make everything yourself?”
“What do you use this for?”
“Are pieces dishwasher, microwave, and food safe?”
“Do you sell wholesale or open to consignment?”
“How do you get such bright colors?”
“How much time does all this take you?”

Can you share any successful strategies for maintaining relationships with buyers?

I am beginning to form a mailing list. I have taken several courses for more experienced artists that highly recommend creating a mailing list to stay in touch with customers. The mailing lists can be made in multiple platforms and help maintain relationships.

What advice would you give to someone looking to break into the wholesale market for the first time?

Try it! I was unsure about the process, but Indie Me has made everything very easy. My friend who recommended Indie Me to me as been a big help as well. I am so excited to mail orders around the nation.

If you weren’t an artist, what career path do you think you would choose?

I am a full-time high school art teacher, so I would continue teaching.

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and have always had a passion for art. I would draw, paint, sculpt, and more as a child. When in high school, I focused on design. While in college at the University of Central Missouri, I was working on my undergraduate degree in graphic design but quickly switched to art education. I found ceramics in college and immediately fell in love. I worked on my undergraduate and received my Bachelor of Science in Education in 2004 with an emphasis on teaching design, painting, fiber arts, and last, but not least, ceramics.

I came back to St. Louis and began my teaching career. I have been teaching all ages how to create with clay, how to draw, paint, dye fabrics, weave, sculpt, and design. Every school year is a new adventure in teaching and I enjoy learning more about myself as a person, teacher, and artist.

In 2011, I graduated with a Master of Art from Fontbonne University with an emphasis in ceramics. I challenged my throwing skills, learned more about the firing process, and started to find my style. After taking a break, I decided to go back in 2019 to pursue my MFA. I graduated with my Master of Fine Arts with an emphasis in ceramics from Fontbonne University in 2023.

I am married to my husband, Joe, and we have a son, Maverick, and we also have our four dogs, Reagan, Ramsey, Dexter, and Dixie. My dad, my brother, and their families are also very important to me, and love that we are able to spend so much time together.

*From left: Reagan and Ramsey (Chi-Weenies), Dexter (Dachshund), and Dixie (Corgi).*

Do you have any hidden talents?

I am really good at packing suitcases (from what I’ve been told), I make a fantastic chocolate chip cookie with a top-secret recipe, I have a vast knowledge of song lyrics and movie quotes.

Favorite recipe?

One of my favorite recipes is from a group of my students from 2011. They were in a Family and Consumer Sciences class and had to come up with a unique chili recipe. The whole class had a chili cookoff and I was invited as a judge. They were all so delicious, but one stood out. I asked for a copy and have been making chili that way ever since…it’s so good!

Favorite TV show?

My favorite TV Show is The Great Pottery Throw Down. It’s a competition show for home potters and it takes place in the UK in a historic town known for pottery.

The beach is my happy place and love taking vacations to the beach. Our family loves Gulf Shores, Alabama, but we have been to Mexico, California, South Carolina and more. Can you tell we like to travel, too?

Jessica Adamany
Development Manager | IndieMe Marketplace