Rising Stars: Meet Jenna Michele

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenna Michele.

Hi Jenna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have ways been an artist! I started with painting then photography; both been a lifelong passions of mine. However, in 2020 my world, like everyone else’s was turned upside down. Unfortunately, my grandfather (the man who raised me) was dying. During that time, it really made me realize what is actually important. After he passed in 2021, I decided to quit my miserable 9-5 job and go back to school for art, which is what my grandpa always told me to do.

Now I am about a year into owning my own ceramic business and it has been the most stressful, most fulfilling and happiest time of my life. My only regret is that I have not been able to share my work with my grandpa.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has surprisingly been a pretty smooth road.. or maybe I am just so happy that the bumps in the road don’t seem to bother me like they did before. The hardest part after my grandpa died was finding things that I cared about. Everything was hard, everything hurt and the depression was relentless. Ceramics (and my cats) really brought me back to life. Turning a ball of clay into art; the transformation is truely magical. Ceramics involves mastering the elements of earth, air, water and fire. It is an incredibly grounding and humbling experience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Well, I am actually known for being a photographer. I have been published over 30 times and I also have 2 photography interviews with this magazine and 1 with Shout Out LA.

However, I am turning over a new leaf. Not leaving photography but taking a break and finding a new way of expression that has made me feel alive again.

I am now what you would call a production potter. I would say I specialize in mugs but I LOVE making vases and funky sculptural pieces!

I think my drive and determination is what sets me apart. I have just started this business almost a year ago and I have had my pieces sold in 3 storefronts, I do pop-up events every weekend and I make sure to throw new pieces at least 2 to 3 times a week. It is always so humbling when people tell me I inspire them because honestly, I am just having fun creating. It is insane to me that it’s almost been a year since I made the decision to completely change my life. Quitting your job without any savings or real plan is incredibly terrifying! I have been soo incredibly fortunate for the success I have had in such a short amount of time and I think people are beginning to notice.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Oh, my grandmother! She deserves so much! She has been just so amazing and supportive. I could not have done any of this without her support! Every time I have even the smallest doubt that I can’t do this, she is right there yelling, ” NO! GO MAKE YOUR POTS!” She is 86 years old and has dragged herself to more of my pop-up events than anyone else in my family. If you have read any other article I have on here, she is also the first person who supported me coloring all the time lol.

My teacher at El Camino College Vince Palacios also deserves credit. He was just so incredibly supportive and helpful and really helped me when I first started throwing. I am excited to take ceramics 2 with him finally after a whole year of the class not being offered.

The studio I throw at, Clay On First has also taught me so much! The people that work there, the artists that create there.. the owners have built such a community there and it has been soooo amazing to be a part of it!

Pricing:

• Mugs – $30 -$50
• Vases – $25 – $120
• Bowls- $25 – $50
• Pumpkins -$25 – $35
• Incense holders – $25 – $50

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.photojenicart.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/photojenicart?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Image Credits
Photo of me by @jondemorestphoto