Conversations with the Inspiring Sarah Klapp

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Klapp.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sarah. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born and raised in Santa Barbara. As a kid, I was always very hyper-active, a tactile learner and very into building things. It wasn’t until high school that I really started learning about clay in a ceramics class. It immediately caught my interest, but at the time I never would have thought that ceramics would become such a big part of my life.

After I graduated with a bachelor’s in Art and worked a myriad of odd-jobs, I was really missing working with clay and I decided to buy a kiln. In order to pay off the kiln, I started making and selling pottery. That is how Klapp Ceramics was born.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I strongly believe that our biggest limitation to success is ourselves. There will always be external roadblocks, but it comes down to the way we navigate those roadblocks that defines how hard the journey is. Especially as a young, female business owner there are different expectations and limitations- but nothing that cannot be navigated. To any other women out there starting a new venture, I would say start small and take it easy on yourself.

It reminds me of this poem from Nayyirah Waheed’s book Salt.

“You do not have to be a fire for every mountain blocking you. You could be a water and soft river your way to freedom too.”

What should we know about Klapp Ceramics? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have a company called Klapp Ceramics that specializes in wholesale handmade ceramics. These ceramics are custom made to fit the business or homes they are going into. I am definitely most well known for my white speckled mugs with a colored stripe at the bottom.

What sets me apart from other ceramics companies is the fact that I hand-throw each piece on the wheel. This means that each piece is unique and made with patience and attention to detail. Ceramic homeware exists in very intimate spaces in our lives, and they last a very long time so my customers are drawn to the irreplaceable value that the handmade product brings to their home.

It would be great to hear about any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve used and would recommend to others.
Books: Wabi-Sabi by Leonard Koren, Unknown Craftsman by Yanagi Sōetsu, The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff, Art and Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland

Audiobooks: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber. It’s very eye-opening and painfully accurate about the entrepreneurial experience. Also, Harry Potter Series while I work in the studio.

Podcasts: The Moth, 99% Invisible, Joe Rogan, Typology

Apps: Moment App- keeps me from being on my phone all day

Pricing:

• Handmade Mug – $40
• Bud Vase – $60
• Vase – $100

Contact Info:

• Website: klappceramics.com
• Phone: 18057298342
• Email: sbklapp@gmail.com
• Instagram: @klappceramics

Image Credit:
Allie Chandler, Sarah Klapp

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