Today we’d like to introduce you to Esther Jeong
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My fascination with pottery began at a young age. One of my earliest memories is watching my mom take out Korean cheongja dining wares for special occasions. There was something so special about those pale blue-green pieces, beautiful yet functional, deeply tied to tradition.
I first learned wheel-throwing at 13 in school and was immediately hooked. Instead of sticking to the assigned projects, I’d often go off on my own, experimenting and trying to bring the ideas in my head to life. Ceramics remained a creative outlet for me throughout the years, though I never considered it as a viable career path… especially as the eldest daughter of immigrant parents. In college, I worked at my university’s craft center, which had a well-equipped ceramics studio, giving me the freedom to explore and develop my craft.
After graduating, I moved back to LA and started working at a PR agency in Chinatown. Coincidentally, a ceramics studio, CLAY CA opened just a few doors down. Having access to that space and community became a catalyst for me to take ceramics more seriously. That decision led to an opportunity to collaborate with Stereoscope Coffee on custom ceramics for four of their locations, which, in turn opened doors for me to work with other specialty coffee shops and brands.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Ceramics is physically demanding, and for a long time, I wasn’t prioritizing my physical or mental health while working on projects, which only made things harder in both areas.
I’d burn out after big drops or large orders, and there were plenty of moments of uncertainty (like the pandemic) that were tough to navigate.
And to be honest, being a small business owner and artist isn’t easy. Running everything as a one-woman show is tough, and even after refining my process, it’s still a challenge.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a ceramic artist specializing in handmade functional ware, with a strong focus on drinkware designed for coffee and matcha enthusiasts. My work has been largely volume specific, meaning mugs and cups tailored to enhance the experience of drinking specialty coffee. I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with cafes like Stereoscope on custom ceramics for four of their locations.
Beyond that I love experimenting with glazes and surface finishes. Lately, I’ve been expanding my range to include larger functional pieces and one-off sculptural works, allowing me to explore new forms beyond drinkware.
What makes me most proud of is seeing my pieces become a part of someone’s daily routine. Knowing that something I made is used and loved in an everyday, intimate way. I think that’s what sets my work apart too… my focus on creating objects that don’t just look nice but feel good to hold, use, and live with.
How do you think about happiness?
Simply put, what makes me happiest is the feeling of home — being at home, feeling at home, and helping others create a space that feels like home to them. There’s something really special about coziness, about feeling loved, accepted, and completely comfortable in your environment. Feeling safe and free to be yourself.
Pricing:
- Mug – $55-60
- Mug with handle – $70
- Chawan – $60
- Chopstick Rest – $12
- Bowl – $58-80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.estherjeong.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@estherjeongceramics/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/estherjeong
Image Credits
David Kang
