Today we’d like to introduce you to Gopi Shah.
Hi Gopi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I started my journey with clay in high school where I had a fabulous teacher that allowed us to explore and create without boundaries.
After high school, I took classes at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and at Santa Monica College.
When I moved to Austin, Texas in 2014, I started my pottery business while apprenticing under Jennifer Prichard, a ceramic art installation artist. I worked multiple jobs while simultaneously building my business up to where I am today.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but the challenges have been worth the struggle. I’ve been accused of plagiarizing, which was a horrible feeling, but also I think every ceramic artist has probably been accused of it.
A huge issue for me has been health-related – having eczema on my hands for the past 5 years without any concrete solutions from doctors. It prevents me from working and building my career as much as I’d like to. I’ve moved my studio nearly every year I’ve been in business, but I’m now in my dream studio, which is at home.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Gopi Shah Ceramics is a South Asian, woman-owned, handmade pottery and ceramics studio in Long Beach specializing in handcrafted stoneware mugs, tumblers, dinnerware, and home decor. Because of my diverse academic background in pottery, I have a strong knowledge base that allows me to execute various techniques with clay.
I love trying out new designs and shapes to expand my expertise and have been taking on more custom orders lately.
I am most proud of building my business to where it is now and that I get to make pottery whenever I want to.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
I was terrified when COVID hit the US because of the uncertainty it brought. All of my wholesale shops had to close, at least temporarily, and I was nervous that I wouldn’t have the same amount of business. Luckily, being in the home goods arena, many turned to decorating their homes and purchased from small businesses like mine.
This past year has been a different story, and I think I’ve become a little better about not worrying about what will happen in the future. I’ve used this extra time in 2022 to build upon my past work, actually try various ideas I’ve been considering for the past few years, and enjoy more of a work/life balance. I’m hoping people continue to shop from small businesses and support women-owned brands like mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gopishah.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gopishahceramics
