Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Riddle.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in a Protestant/Evangelist church. We moved around a lot when I was young but we were always close enough to attend this church. I was taught of a God that would save me from the “secular world.” God would be my relief. He would take away my pain and my sorrows. If I did not accept God, as my Lord and Savior, I would live out my afterlife in hell: eternal damnation. I was told that we were the chosen group, we were the ones that would save other souls. My purpose in life was to save souls… but no pressure. So naturally, I rebelled. I was smoking weed by age 14 and I got into other drugs by age 16. I had found a new family, one that accepted me for who I was. We did drugs, we smoked, we drank and we partied. When I turned 21, I quit most of the drugs and stopped smoking weed. I moved up to the Bay Area for a new adventure. I drank heavily, partied and worked minimum wage jobs.
Eventually, I got scabies. I couldn’t sleep without a couple of glasses of vodka. I almost gave up. I drove back to SoCal, the scabies left and hoped for another fresh start. It seemed no matter where I moved, my same life followed. “Wherever you go, there you are.” I wrote my first suicide letter when I was living Santa Monica. I played with various forms of self-harm. When I was 26, I moved back in with my parents and found myself still partying, just a little more sneakily. After waking up in my own vomit, on the floor of my childhood room, I was ready to change. In October 2017, I chose to get sober, go back to school and seek therapy. Getting sober was one of the most challenging things I have ever done. All of my emotions that were suppressed for so long began to surface. I fell into a deep depression. Little did I know, this was exactly what I needed and it was the beginning of creating the life I wanted. Therapy, going back to school and getting sober changed my life.
Fast forward two years and I have an incredible relationship with my parents and two brothers. I am about to graduate college with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology. I have a small ceramics business called Riddles Ceramics. I volunteer with a group that teaches college students about depression and suicide prevention. I enjoy reading, Tai Chi, hiking, yoga and meditation. I still go to therapy each week where I learn tools for self-exploration and methods of coping. Each morning I make time for self-love and self-care. I am so grateful for my life.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, I believe all paths have obstacles and it is overcoming those obstacles that make the outcome rewarding. My toughest challenge has been overcoming my negative, inner self-talk. Each day, I work to rewire my thoughts so they can benefit my growth. This takes time and effort. My favorite tools to assist me in this are positive affirmations, guided meditations and self-help books. I believe that we are all doing the best that we can in every given moment. Don’t let a bumpy road keep you stagnant.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Riddles Ceramics – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I started Riddles Ceramics in early 2019. I create objects that are functional and sculptural. I have taken on a decent amount of commissions for friends and family and that has taken up a majority of my time. I enjoy selling my work at craft fairs and art shows. I like the personal connections that are created through in-person art transactions. Lately, I have been making mugs and that seems to be a crowd favorite. Woo!
Through my sculptural work, I want to portray an idea that the pieces I make are artifacts from the future. I want them to look like they were created 1,000 years from now and dug up 1,000 years after that. I am proud that I have not given up on this and I am grateful for all the connections that I have made along the way. I recently worked with an incredible graphic designer, Ivy Lovett, to create business cards and stickers. I believe what sets me apart from other businesses is that I am here to have fun. I love what I make and I enjoy what I do. When this happens, things seem to just fall into place. I know that the Universe has my back. For the future, I plan to stay true to myself, create my art and continue to grow my business. I am still learning and I am excited for what lies ahead. This is only the beginning.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: instagram.com/riddlesceramics/
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