We recently connected with Kelsey Berry and have shared our conversation below.
Kelsey, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I think in many ways our culture is very centered on success in measurable ways (sales, likes, volume) while, at times, placing less emphasis on health, wholeness, and spiritual well being. When I became a mom, I saw in my own personal life that it became increasingly difficult to find community among other working parents because there just wasn’t enough time to meet all of the requirements that life has while also making space to do the things that make us feel connected. While I really value my art and my work, I want to set goals that define my success in a more holistic way rather than grinding all the time to make the most money. For me, maintaining a joy for the process is a huge measure of success as an artist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Kelsey and I am a potter based out of Memphis, Tennessee. As an artist, I seek to make beautiful pieces of functional art that can enhance the daily moments of life that bring meaning and joy to our human experience. As you may have figured out by now, much of living is done in the mundane tasks and in the simplicity of being present where we are. Each moment should be savored every chance we get: the honey-sweet laughter of a toddler, the pitter patter of little feet running through the yard, a kiss on the cheek from a spouse before heading off to work and a warm cup of coffee in a mug made carefully by a local artist.
We don’t have to make the small moments special, but I think we really should.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
My social media page started with personal relationships and has slowly grown in a very organic way as I continue to release different collections and work together with other artists and local businesses. I believe as artists, there’s a unique space on social media to show your process and share your work without feeling like you have to sell your product. Art is so deeply personal and can be such a fun connection point for folks, so I’ve always leaned into trusting the pace of my work and allowing people to purchase things they connect with and will enjoy. Even as someone selling my work, I never want someone to buy something they don’t like or won’t use. I try to have confidence that the work I make will end up in the right hands. Focusing too much on sales takes the soul out of the making for me!
Contact Info:
- Website: Kelseyberrypottery.com
- Instagram: @kelseyberrypottery
Image Credits
Sarabeth Creative