Today we’d like to introduce you to Eleni Duffy.

Hi Eleni, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.

Absolutely! My journey started in an unexpected way. Before launching Pottery by Eleni, I worked as a costume designer in the film industry for 14 years. However, when the pandemic hit in 2020, production shut down, and around the same time, I suffered an immobilizing injury. Pottery became my creative outlet and source of healing.

What began as a personal passion quickly evolved into something bigger. I started sharing my work on Instagram, and soon, orders started coming in. My garage became my studio, and over the past four years, I’ve built Pottery by Eleni into a thriving business. I focus on handmade, rustic yet elegant homeware, painting accessories, and seasonal collections, all crafted from locally mixed porcelain. My background in design plays a huge role in my aesthetic—each piece is intentionally made to be both functional and beautiful.

Community has been a key part of my growth. I’ve built strong relationships with local artisans, collaborated with other creative women, and connected with customers who appreciate the artistry behind handmade pieces. I also host Pottery & Prosecco workshops, where people can experience the joy of making pottery firsthand.

Looking back, I never expected my career to take this turn, but I’m grateful for how everything unfolded. My story is proof that sometimes, unexpected challenges lead to the most fulfilling paths.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Not at all—building Pottery by Eleni has been anything but a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped the business into what it is today.

In the beginning, transitioning from costume design to pottery felt like starting over. I had to learn not just the craft but also how to run a business—everything from production to marketing, packaging, and shipping. Working out of my garage presented its own limitations, especially as demand grew. Balancing production with customer service and social media felt overwhelming at times, especially since everything was handmade.

There were also financial hurdles. Since I started during the pandemic, I didn’t have access to traditional funding or a business roadmap—I had to bootstrap my way through, reinvesting every dollar I made back into materials and equipment.

On a more personal level, juggling business growth with major life changes has been one of my biggest challenges. Becoming a mother while running a handmade business has forced me to be even more intentional with my time. I’ve had to learn when to push forward and when to slow down, all while staying connected to my creative vision.

Despite the struggles, every challenge has made me more resilient. The support from my community and customers has been incredible, and that’s what keeps me motivated—knowing that the pieces I create bring beauty and meaning into people’s lives.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I create handmade, rustic yet elegant homeware and painting accessories, all crafted from locally mixed porcelain. My work is deeply inspired by nature, storytelling, and my background in costume design. Every piece is intentionally designed to be both functional and beautiful, with a timeless quality that makes it feel special in everyday use.

I’m best known for my signature creamy white glaze with hand-painted 22k gold edges, as well as my ceramic watercolor palettes, which have become a favorite among artists. Each collection is personal—I name my pieces after inspiring women in my life as a way to honor their impact.

One of the things I’m most proud of is how Pottery by Eleni has grown into more than just a business. It’s become a space for creativity, connection, and community. Whether it’s through collaborations with other artisans, custom pieces for small businesses, or my Pottery & Prosecco workshops, I love sharing the beauty of handmade work with others.

What sets my work apart is the attention to detail and the heart behind each piece. Everything is handmade in small batches, which allows for a level of craftsmanship and uniqueness that mass-produced ceramics can’t replicate. I also prioritize sustainability, using local materials and eco-friendly practices whenever possible.

Most importantly, I want my pieces to bring joy—to make someone’s morning coffee feel a little more special, to inspire artists as they paint, or to become cherished heirlooms passed down through generations. That’s what drives me to keep creating.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

I believe that taking risks is an essential part of growth—both in life and in business. While I wouldn’t consider myself reckless, I’ve learned that some of the biggest rewards come from stepping into the unknown.

One of the biggest risks I took was leaving behind a 14-year career in costume design to pursue pottery full-time. It wasn’t something I planned—circumstances pushed me in that direction—but choosing to commit to it fully, without knowing if it would succeed, was a huge leap. There was no guarantee that people would buy my work, and I had to figure everything out as I went.

Another major risk was expanding beyond just selling pottery to offering workshops and collaborations. It required a shift in how I thought about my business, moving from just making and selling to building a community around my work. I invested in materials, marketing, and events without knowing if they would pay off—but they did. Those risks helped me connect with my audience in a deeper way and grow my business beyond what I had imagined.

I’ve also had to take creative risks—experimenting with new designs, glazes, and products that may or may not resonate with customers. Not everything works, but each attempt is a learning experience that helps refine my craft.

To me, risk isn’t about being fearless—it’s about trusting yourself enough to take the leap, even when the outcome is uncertain. Every risk I’ve taken has come with challenges, but they’ve also led to some of the most fulfilling moments of my journey.

Pricing:

• Pricing products is an art in itself. It’s not just about setting a number—it’s about making sure each piece reflects its true value while also compensating for the time, skill, and materials that go into creating it. There are a few key factors I consider when pricing my work:
• The artistry and time involved – I love adding special details to my pieces, whether it’s intricate designs, hand-painted gold edges, or delicate textures. But every extra touch requires time, patience, and craftsmanship that shouldn’t be undervalued. Pricing has to reflect the care and effort behind each handmade piece.
• Kiln space and firing time – Each piece spends about 120 hours in the kiln, undergoing multiple firings to achieve the perfect finish. Space is extremely limited, so if a large piece takes up too much room, it means other products are delayed. This makes kiln space a crucial factor in pricing, especially for larger items.
• High-quality materials – We use real 22k gold on many of our pieces, which adds a luxurious, heirloom quality to the work. Since the cost of gold fluctuates, the amount used in a design directly affects pricing. The more gold detailing, the higher the cost—ensuring we cover material expenses while maintaining the integrity of our craftsmanship.
• Every handmade piece is a balance between creativity, craftsmanship, and practicality. Pricing isn’t just about making a profit—it’s about honoring the time, skill, and resources that go into creating something truly special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://potterybyeleni.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pottery_by_eleni/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/potterybyeleni

Image Credits

Amy Galbraith, Sarah Simon, Yvonne Wong