We recently connected with Eleni Duffy and have shared our conversation below.

Eleni, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.

Family businesses have a unique charm and set of challenges. One of the biggest advantages is the shared sense of purpose and trust that comes from working with people who deeply understand and care about the vision of the business. For me, running Pottery by Eleni with my husband has been a fulfilling journey. We each have our strengths: I focus on the artistic side, and he manages production and logistics. This division of labor works well because we respect and trust each other’s expertise.

That said, the lines between work and personal life can blur, which is one of the main pitfalls. It’s important to set boundaries and intentionally carve out time to reconnect as a family outside the business.

Right now, I couldn’t be more grateful for my family business because it has allowed me to work from home and take breaks during the day to see my son, Damon. Being able to spend so much time with him during his first year of life is a gift I cherish deeply, and I know this flexibility wouldn’t be possible in many other circumstances.

As for whether I’d want my son to join the business someday—it depends on his interests. If he’s passionate about it, I’d be thrilled to share this creative journey with him. But I’d also support him in forging his own path, just as my mother, a ceramic teacher, inspired me but let me find my own way to pottery after a career in costume design.

Family businesses are special because they create an opportunity to pass down not just skills but values and traditions. I’ve seen how multigenerational businesses can thrive when there’s genuine passion and commitment, but I’ve also seen them struggle when there’s pressure or misaligned goals.

Ultimately, a family business is most successful when it respects the individuality of each member while fostering a shared vision and support system.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Eleni, and I’m the founder and artist behind Pottery by Eleni. My journey into this craft was unexpected but deeply meaningful. I began my career as a costume designer in the film industry, a path I followed for 14 years after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. But when the pandemic shut down the film industry, and I was recovering from an immobilizing injury, I turned to pottery as a creative outlet. It was a skill my mother, a ceramic teacher, taught me as a child, and reconnecting with it felt like coming home.

What started as a personal exploration quickly grew into a business run out of my garage in Lynnwood, WA. Today, Pottery by Eleni creates handmade, rustic-elegant homeware and painting accessories crafted from locally mixed porcelain. Each piece reflects my love for nature, my travels, and my commitment to quality craftsmanship. My signature collection features creamy white pottery adorned with 22k gold edges—a touch of luxury that I believe transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.

In addition to homeware, I offer painting accessories like watercolor palettes and bespoke tools that honor the creative process. I’ve also expanded to hosting Pottery & Prosecco classes, which bring people together to create and connect over art in a relaxed, joyful setting. These events have been incredibly rewarding because they celebrate the intersection of creativity and community.

What sets Pottery by Eleni apart is the personal touch behind every piece. I name my collections after inspiring women in my life—family, friends, teachers, and colleagues. This is my way of honoring the people who’ve shaped my journey. My work is also rooted in sustainability, from using local materials to minimizing waste, and I strive to collaborate with other local artisans whenever possible.

One of the challenges my business solves is helping people find pieces that feel personal and meaningful, whether it’s a mug that becomes part of their morning ritual, a palette that fuels their artistic endeavors, or a platter that elevates their dinner parties. I’m most proud of creating a business that feels like an extension of my values and passions.

As a new mom, my business has also taken on a deeper meaning. It’s given me the flexibility to work from home and spend precious time with my son, Damon, during his first year of life. This balance between family and creativity is something I cherish.

For anyone who follows my journey, I hope you’ll see Pottery by Eleni as more than just a brand. It’s about celebrating creativity, connection, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a fellow artist, a homeware enthusiast, or someone looking for a unique gift, I aim to provide pieces that bring joy and beauty into your life.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I think about resilience, I’m immediately brought back to 2020—a time that was both incredibly challenging and transformative for me. Right before the pandemic hit, I relocated from Los Angeles to Seattle, where I grew up, to be closer to family. The timing seemed perfect, but when COVID-19 restrictions came into place, the isolation was overwhelming. I had moved back to reconnect with loved ones, yet suddenly, I couldn’t even see them.

Around the same time, I had a fluke accident that changed everything. I fell down a flight of stairs, breaking one ankle and severely spraining the other. I was completely immobilized and unable to walk—a humbling and challenging experience, to say the least.

In the middle of all this chaos and isolation, I found an unexpected silver lining. Even though I couldn’t see my parents, they let me clear a small space in their garage to set up a potter’s wheel. With their encouragement, I hobbled over to that wheel and began creating. Pottery was something I had learned as a child from my mom, a ceramic teacher, but I hadn’t touched clay in years. Sitting at the wheel gave me a sense of purpose and calm. It was therapeutic, grounding, and exactly what I needed during such a difficult time.

What began as a personal escape quickly grew into something bigger. As I shared my pieces with friends and family, they encouraged me to start selling them. And that’s how Pottery by Eleni was born—right there in my parents’ garage, during one of the most challenging chapters of my life.

This experience taught me that resilience doesn’t mean powering through without struggle; it’s about finding ways to adapt, grow, and create meaning, even in the face of adversity. Looking back, I’m grateful for those difficult moments because they led me to rediscover a passion and build a business I truly love.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I believe in building meaningful connections with my customers, and I make an effort to engage with them regularly. I never let a comment go unanswered on Instagram, and when someone tags me in a post, I take the time to look at the art they’ve created or the room where they’ve placed my piece. I want them to know that I see and appreciate their creativity and the role my pottery plays in their lives.

When it comes to emails, I do my best to respond to each one personally and thoughtfully. I want my customers to feel like they’re connecting with a real person—someone who cares about their experience.

Additionally, I write thank-you notes and sign my name on every order. It’s important to me that customers understand there’s an artist behind each piece they receive, and these personal touches help me show my gratitude for their support. I believe it’s the little things that build lasting relationships, and these small gestures are key in fostering loyalty and trust with my brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://potterybyeleni.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pottery_by_eleni/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potterybyeleni
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PotterybyEleni
• Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/potterybyeleni/

Image Credits

Sarah Simon, Yvonne Wong, Tina Witherspoon, Amilia James