Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Luu
Hi Christine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My first experience with pottery was during high school in 2006 when I took a ceramics wheel throwing course and I hated it! I got a “B” in the class and the instructor said that I wasn’t trying hard enough, which was both hurtful and defeating. I didn’t touch clay again for 10 years. Then in 2016, during a really difficult time in my life while struggling with depression, I needed something outside of my day job to keep me occupied. This would be the start of what felt like the true beginning of my ceramics journey. This time around I had a very patient instructor who was very supportive. I became completely immersed in ceramics and would try to learn something new every week. I would go to the studio 3-4 times a week while working my full-time 9-5 medical social work job. I even began to volunteer for the ceramics department to learn even more. Ceramics quickly helped lift me out of depression and the studio became my second home. I grew the courage to sell my work at local craft markets in less than a year and that was how my small business started. It was organic and the progression felt natural. For the next 6 years, I would do my full-time job, practice pottery during the evenings, and sell my work at pop up markets on weekends. It was a LOT, but I loved it and couldn’t get enough. I documented my work and promoted my art shows through my Instagram @TinyNamastePottery and grew a small following that seemed to stay stagnant at around 4K followers. Then around early 2021, my instagram began to have a huge growth through a few photo posts that gained several thousands of followers. I began to take selling my work very seriously and relaunched my website. This made me realize that I could reach a wider audience of customers worldwide online, which is now my preferred way to sell my work. Fast forward to November 2022, I found out I was pregnant and it was the strength I needed to quit my day job and pursue making art full-time. I wanted to be at home full-time with my baby, which was not something that my day job would allow. That year, I beat my social work income with my ceramics business, and in turn, overcame my own self-limiting beliefs. It was the courage I needed to Manifest That Shit! Now, I am approaching my 2nd year full-time as a ceramicist and it has really been a dream come true to be my own boss and also being at home full-time to not miss a beat of my daughter’s development. It has been a long and hard road to get here, but I am constantly betting on myself and doing it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was definitely not smooth! I had so much fear and anxiety regarding quitting my social work job to pursue art and hesitated on the decision for at least 6 months before committing to it. Financial uncertainty is still a constant worry and also sometimes things do not go well with a kiln firing, which can ruin my pieces of work. I started my business full-time the exact same time I was pregnant and had a newborn, so the sleep deprivation and low energy was incredibly difficult the first year of my business while also trying to find the time to make work at all while tending to a baby. Not to mention I have been struggling with carpal tunnel and tendonitis for over a year, which has been very painful and stressful for me since my business is all about using my hands as my main tool. Overall, I’ve been able to overcome the adversities that have come my way through just not giving up even when I want to.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I make handmade functional ceramics that are wheel thrown, including cups, mugs, dishes, and decor that you can display in your homes. I am known for my colorful and vibrant glaze combinations with added splashes of real 22kt gold flecks adorned on the pieces. A lot of people say my work is very cosmic, mystical, magical, whimsical, has a lot of dimension, and is ethereal. My ceramics are luxury goods ranging from $100-$250 and is not your typical $7 mug from Target. Each piece takes anywhere from 3-4 weeks to complete from start to finish. I am proud of myself for being able to set my prices appropriately to the amount of work that goes into each piece, so that I can make a living with my art and support my family and not undersell my value. This includes 3-5 firings, uncommon techniques, continued education through trainings, real gold, my time, work that is never seen after hours, and my worth among other things.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I take risks all the time with my work. I am always experimenting with new ideas and putting them up for sale. It is incredibly vulnerable to put up new work that I do not know if people will like or not, but as long as they make me happy and I am proud of what I’ve made, then the risk is worth it. Everything is trial and error, and I feel that as being an entrepreneur, it is imperative to take risks just to see how things go.
Pricing:
- $100-$200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinynamastepottery.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinynamastepottery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinyNamastePottery/
Image Credits
Portraits Credit: Colin Chu
