We recently connected with Rocio Ruiz and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rocio thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
The moment I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally happened unexpectedly during a pottery class I attended with a work friend. He had just started a home studio, and during that class, I made a coiled mug. I enjoyed the process so much that I immediately asked if I could come back for more classes to keep working with clay.
Over the next few weeks, I went back several times and absolutely fell in love with pottery. Eventually, I asked my friend if I could help out in his studio to learn more about the craft. To my surprise, he said yes and mentioned he could use the extra help. I started assisting him with custom orders for hotels, shops, and restaurants in Tulum. It was challenging but incredibly fascinating to see how raw clay could be transformed into beautiful, functional items.
After immersing myself in the pottery world for a few weeks, I felt a strong pull to make this my life’s work. I decided to have a conversation with my friend, asking him if I could become his partner and invest in the studio. He agreed, and that’s when I made the bold decision to quit my restaurant job and dedicate myself fully to pottery for the first time.
It was a leap of faith, but it felt right. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made—turning something I loved into my profession and being able to share that joy with others.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! My name is Rocio, and I’m the owner and creator behind Mist Art Studio. My journey into pottery started serendipitously when I took a pottery class with a friend who was just starting his studio. I immediately fell in love with the process of working with clay and its transformative nature. What started as a creative hobby quickly turned into a full-time passion, and eventually, a business that allows me to share my work with others.
At Mist Art Studio, I focus on creating functional and beautiful ceramic pieces inspired by the natural world and the everyday rituals that bring us joy. I offer a variety of handmade products, including mugs, cups, lamps, incense holders, wax melters, and even unique, custom pieces for hotels and restaurants. Beyond the products, I also host pottery workshops at my studio, where I teach others the joy of hand-building ceramics. These classes are open to all levels and are a space where people can unleash their creativity and connect with clay.
What sets me apart is the intention behind each piece. I don’t just make items—I tell stories through ceramics, blending functionality with artistry. My work celebrates the imperfections and organic shapes that make handmade pieces so special, creating a deep connection between the user and the object.
One of the things I’m most proud of is my ongoing collaboration with Cupcakes and Cashmere. I’ve been working with them for over a year now, and it has been an incredibly rewarding and inspiring partnership. Collaborating with such a respected brand has not only helped me grow my business but has also reinforced my dream of being my own boss and running my own business as a woman and immigrant in this country. It’s a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and community, and it inspires me to keep pushing forward.
Mist Art Studio has also become a place of community and creativity. Through collaborations with other local artisans and brands, I’ve been able to expand my craft and offer unique products that blend different creative visions. For example, I’ve worked on projects like wax melters with House of Geb and soap holders with Daria Soap, combining my ceramics with their expertise in scent and skincare.
For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that every piece I create is made with care, thoughtfulness, and a deep respect for the craft. Whether it’s a custom order or a workshop experience, my goal is to bring beauty and purpose to everyday life.
Mist Art Studio is more than just a business—it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the transformative power of making things with your hands. I’m excited to keep growing, collaborating, and sharing my work with those who appreciate the magic of handmade ceramics.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story that stands out in my journey is from the early days of starting Mist Art Studio. When I decided to leave my restaurant job and fully commit to pottery, it was both exhilarating and terrifying. I invested everything I had into the studio—time, energy, and savings. I was learning as I went, which meant facing countless challenges, from technical mishaps in the kiln to figuring out how to market my work and build a customer base.
One particularly difficult moment came when I was working on a large custom order for a restaurant. It was a huge opportunity, but I underestimated the complexity and time required to complete the project. I spent weeks perfecting the pieces, only to have a kiln malfunction ruin an entire batch just days before the delivery deadline. I was devastated and doubted whether I could pull it off.
Instead of giving up, I took a deep breath and got to work. I reached out to the client, explained the situation honestly, and asked for an extension. They were understanding, which gave me the time I needed to start over. I worked tirelessly, often late into the night, to recreate the pieces. When I finally delivered the order, the client was thrilled with the result, and the experience taught me so much about communication, problem-solving, and pushing through adversity.
That moment solidified my belief that resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about adapting, learning, and staying committed to your goals, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Every challenge has been a stepping stone, and overcoming them has made me more confident in my craft and my ability to navigate the unpredictable path of being a creative entrepreneur.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing how people connect with my pieces on a personal level. There’s something magical about seeing someone find a purpose for one of my creations—whether it’s to beautify their space or evoke a special memory or connection to a loved one.
Knowing that my work can bring joy, meaning, or even a sense of comfort to someone’s life is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me of the power of art to create connections and tell stories, and it inspires me to keep creating pieces that resonate with people in unique and personal ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mistartstudio.com
- Instagram: @mistartstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mistartstudio
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mistartstudio?si=vAzgzYYlV0cBIpDw
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mistartstudio?ug_source=op.auth&ug_term=Linktr.ee&utm_source=awyc6vc625ejxp86&utm_campaign=tt4d_profile_link&_r=1
Image Credits
Sam Fonseca
Sonia Barcelona