We were lucky to catch up with Robbie Kenyon recently and have shared our conversation below.

Robbie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you wish you had started sooner?

When I was in my 20s, I was a filmmaker, and one of my only regrets in life is that I didn’t start a creative business much sooner. Looking back, it’s something I could have built for myself over time, while also working another job to stay afloat financially, which is much easier to do in youth than it is as you get older. I lacked the confidence and the know-how, and I’m hoping that others will realize how important it is to find a mentor to help them map out a plan for themselves. Having an example of folks who are doing it is imperative. And do it now! It’s never too late, but it does get harder in some ways.

Robbie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In 2012, I walked into the basement of a house I was looking to purchase, and the thought came into my head, “I could build a pottery studio here.” I had no prior interest or experience with pottery – it was just a thought in a moment in time. We bought the house, and I did build out a pottery studio in the basement. Then I took a corporate job, and in the process of working my way up the ladder, I no longer had time for pottery. In 2018 and 2019, I was experiencing severe burnout from my job, and left, just before Covid hit. I took some time off, and started spending more and more of my time at the wheel. I opened my Etsy shop, Kairos Klay, in late October of 2020, and, much to my surprise, all my work sold.

My creative intent is to provide beautiful, unique, functional pieces that can be used everyday. Art, every day, and everyday art, at prices that most everyone can afford. All of my glazes are mixed, adjusted, and /or created in-house, and I’ve spent the last year really honing my glaze aesthetic.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I don’t believe that there’s any such thing as a non-creative. Every one of us has the capacity to create. Creativity is something that, with enough time and attention and willingness to be open to the truth, can be learned. There is creativity in writing code or practicing law. There is creativity in medicine and in retail. You can always change direction to go into one of the more traditional creative professions, but you can also stand in the middle of your life immediately and identify the places to which you could bring more creativity.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

I really enjoy being in charge of my own projects. I like having not just the freedom of the creative process itself, but also the freedom of running my own business, and making my own decisions, and not having to compromise. My successes and failures all belong to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: kairosklay.com
• Instagram: @kairosklay
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kairosklay
• Other: kairosklay.etsy.com