We recently connected with Kelly Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

The first dollar I ever earned was this beautiful blue berry bowl that I had listed on Etsy. I’m not entirely sure that I was really even thinking about selling pottery at that point, I was just testing the waters of taking good photos and making listings. I didn’t even have anything else listed yet when the item sold. I was terrified! What if they were dissatisfied with it? What if it they came back and gave me a review telling everyone how disappointing my work was? I had people asking to buy my pottery before but it was always friends and family. After the gentleman received the item, he wrote me personally to tell me how in love with his purchase he was and how this berry bowl would make him the perfect orchid bowl, as he was an avid orchid collector. He gave me a glowing Etsy review praising its beauty and craftsmanship. Having someone tell me that an item I crafted gave them joy, filled me with such happiness and pride. I still get that same feeling when someone tells me how much they enjoy using an item I made.

Kelly, 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?

I got started in pottery by accident, really. I lived in Tacoma, WA for a bit and when i first moved I didn’t know anyone so I thought Id try out a new hobby. I was Immediately hooked. It was at the same time challenging, frustrating, and gratifying. I was at the wheel every chance I got. When we moved to Tybee a little over a year later, I bought a wheel and a kiln and happily potted away on my front porch. Pretty soon I had more pottery than I knew what to do with and I started selling a few things here and there through Etsy eventually working my way into doing local markets and putting items in local shops.

I take a lot of pride in my work and attention to detail is a big part of that.

I don’t necessarily make things for people to buy, I make items I love and I hope other people love them as well!

I love color!

Most of my items are very colorful and I think that’s one thing that sets my items apart from other potters. I also will many times include fossilized sharks teeth, coral, minerals, small shells, and other treasures I find.

I personally love having a beautiful item that I can use everyday and that definitely plays a part in what I make. Maybe my mug is that beautiful item someone gets to start their day with and maybe that makes a difference how their day proceeds. I have so may people tell me that it really does make their day! I always encourage people to pick up my mugs and handle them. The way a cup feels in your hand is SO important if it doesn’t feel “right” you won’t use it. I really do care that people are happy and satisfied with their chosen item.

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What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

More is not always better. When i first started my little business I, like all new businesses, struggled to get known and to get a foothold in the artist scene. I was saying yes to way too many things. I was flattered and excited that people wanted me to make things for them, or for their shops and businesses. I got overwhelmed pretty quickly. Many people don’t understand that pottery is not a “quick” art form and sometimes an Item may take two weeks (or longer) from start to finish. I was often stressed trying to keep up with shop stock, my stock, and special orders. I now say no more often (or think hard before I say yes) because I’ve learned that every time I say yes to something I have to say no to a lot of other things.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is is knowing that my pieces are out in the world making people happy! Many of my customers are people that have purchased from me before or have received one of my pieces as a gift. It really means a lot to me when people are repeat customers. They often tell me how their cup or mug is one of their favorite items that they use everyday. I get a lot of satisfaction knowing that I put something out into the world that makes someone happy or makes their day brighter. It’s also pretty great having this outlet to bring to life whatever crazy idea is in your head. I love translating ideas into clay as the possibilities are endless.

Contact Info:

• Website: seasaltceramics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seasaltceramics/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seasaltceramics/