We recently connected with Sanaz Hooshiani and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Sanaz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

How did you learn to do what you do?

I learned through a mix of hands-on experimentation, online tutorials, and inspiration from other artists. Ceramics was something I discovered naturally, starting with basic supplies and a lot of trial and error. Over time, I got better at my techniques and found my own style by really getting into the process and staying curious.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

I would have gotten mentorship earlier and joined local art communities or classes. Learning directly from experienced artists and engaging with a creative community could have definitely helped me grow faster.

What skills do you think were most essential?

Patience, flexibility, and adaptability. Working with clay is a delicate process that requires a lot of patience and to learn from mistakes.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Time and financial constraints, along with balancing work and personal responsibilities, made it challenging to dive in fully at the start. Access to resources and equipment was also not easy at the beginning. However, one of the toughest obstacles was self-doubt, questioning if I could succeed or if my work was good enough. Overcoming this mindset was a big turning point for me.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Sanaz, and I am a ceramic artist and creative entrepreneur. My journey began in Iran, surrounded by a family deeply involved in the arts, which sparked my lifelong love for creativity. Even though I started out in a more practical career in sales and marketing, moving to the U.S. gave me the chance to reconnect with my creative side.
By experimenting, I found my love for ceramics—a craft that brings together my appreciation for imperfection, nature, simplicity, and the freedom to express myself in new ways.

I specialize in creating hand-built, asymmetrical ceramic pieces that embrace organic shapes. My work tends to connect with clients on an emotional level, or at least that’s what my intention is, it’s about connection and inspiration.

What sets me apart is my approach: I let the clay guide me, creating pieces that feel alive and spontaneous and a sense of freedom. I want my clients and followers to know that my journey as an artist has been deeply personal, filled with self-discovery, and triumphs.

What I’m most proud of is turning a dream into a reality no matter how challenging my journey has been. I hope my story inspires others to pursue their passions, and to never giving up on their dreams.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most important parts of my journey has been my openness to trying out different creative outlets. I’ve explored everything from woodworking and sewing to baking, playing instruments, interior design, event planning, makeup artistry, and even running an online beauty business. Each time, I put all my energy into learning and creating, only to realize that these paths didn’t bring lasting fulfillment.

Although at times the constant trial and error made me wonder if I’d ever find the craft that truly makes my soul happy and on numerous occasions I felt discouraged, I wasn’t about to let it go.

So eventually, when I discovered ceramics, it felt like everything clicked, a realization that I wouldn’t have come to without sticking it out through the earlier stages.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

A major goal is to travel and experience the world through my art, learning from different cultures, meeting other artists, and gaining new perspectives. Participating in national exhibitions is a desire of mine, as it allows me to share my work with a broader audience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sanazhexpressions/

Image Credits

Heather Broomhall