We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angelica Doporto. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angelica below.
Angelica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?
I officially started Mama Llama Pottery the summer of COVID. I was fresh out of high school and was deciding on what I wanted to do in the future. My mom was cleaning out the garage when she pulled out a ceramic piece that I created when I was in middle school. I remember picking my piece up and was very shocked I created something like that. After that day my mom and I went to the nearest ceramic store and at the time the closest one was in San Antonio. We made the 5 hour drive and picked up 10 pounds of different varieties of clay, not knowing anything about it. I started building multiple pots with funky faces and instantly created a passion for it! To continue further in my business I want to create an Etsy account and sell my art across the world! My mom has been there encouraging me the whole way selling houseplants to compliment my artwork.
Angelica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Angelica Doporto and I am the owner of Mama Llama Pottery. I started my business from my passion of plants. I wanted more than just the basic plastic pots, each plant deserves to tell a story with my one of a kind pot heads. I started creating my own unique pots, adding faces, lips, ears and even legs. When I first started my business I was very hesitant not fully believing in myself, from the support of my family members and my small amount of clients I made it to where I am today! I am very grateful to have a supportive community behind me. If you’re interested in pursuing your own business I am here to tell you that nothing is impossible as long as you put your mind to it!
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
My grandpa was always very supportive, even up to the day he passed. He always told me to follow my passion because I will be big one day. After he passed away I officially started selling my work at markets. This baby caterpillar followed us around to several markets, and I know that was him telling me to never stop. So you will see caterpillars on several pieces of my work in honor of him.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
The best source of new clients has been attending markets with Wandering Roots. Having this opportunity has expanded my access to the art community. It has helped me build a family of clientele and supportive people.
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