Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Michel.
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 very creative environment and my parents supported me and my sister in being creative and arts a lot. I did a lot of pottery when I was a kid, but eventually, I ended up studying fashion design and kinda lost track because of my different careers as pretty much everything but a designer. About two years ago I moved from Switzerland to Worcester, because my husband and I decided a long distance relationship is not an option anymore.
All the visa paperwork takes some time to go through, and I could not start working right away. This is pretty much a once in a lifetime chance that you end up having a lot of time for yourself. All the gauges are set back to zero and you can start filling your life again with things you love and want to do. I was working a lot (too much) back in Switzerland and my creative hobbies got pushed aside all the time, and I missed it a lot. I decided I pick up pottery again and haven’t stopped since.
The whole process of creating products out of clay is so satisfying to me. I always loved to make and create. It’s almost as if pottery is my therapy. I met a lot of super amazing people through it and it helped me a lot to settle down here in my new home. Just about a month ago, me and two other friends branched off from the studio we were renting from and started our very own pottery studio.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has been a roller coaster haha. Moving to another country at 30 years old is fun and very exciting, but also it turns your whole life upside down. I love discovering a new country and culture. You think the difference isn’t that big and because you’ve been visiting for 2+ years you know what you are getting into, but then you stand in the grocery store and get overwhelmed by the choices and keep buying the wrong things.
I also didn’t really have a driving license until I got here because I was used to public transportation. So it is a lot of new things to get used to, and it is the little habits that are the hardest to change. But after almost 2 years I can definitely call Worcester my home, and I made such amazing new friends, Pottery def. helped me a lot too. Having a creative outlet for every emotion you feel is so valuable. My pottery is expressing the new beginnings and the little joys in life.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Carmiclay story. Tell us more about the business.
I create useful and simple things out of clay. Everything is 100% handmade by me. It is very important to me that my pottery is useful, and has a purpose. I would never make something that I wouldn’t use.
Mostly I make tableware: cups (yes I like no handles), plates, bowls, vases. I also like to make items that have more than one specific use. For example, a cup can be for drinking beverages, but also a pencil holder, planter, toothbrush holder, you name it. I like to keep things simple and clear, break it down to a minimum with no distractions. My colour palette is currently white, gray, pink, blush and a greyish blue that I combine it with colours that pop to create some eye-catchers, and break the simplicity just a little bit.
Apart from that,t I specialize in pipes and one-hitters for smoking (weed). Ever since the legalization here in MA, this has been an amazing opportunity to get a foot in the door of this new market with so many potentials. I throw my pipes on the wheel and the chillums are handbuilt. There are not many people out there that do it that way.
I make them look super cute with my glazes (my pipes are very different from the usual tableware :)) and some of them I fire a third time to put a gold luster on. I love peoples reactions when they see it! It becomes so normal to talk about it, even if mother and daughter are shopping. I like that my pipes can be an icebreaker or make people smile.
Recently I started to make jewelry out of clay. Still figuring out where to go with this but so far people love it. And I do too! I leave the clay mostly raw. So it is kind of a natural beauty.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck, but if I would I’d say that I got very lucky. We just found the perfect studio, I have a super supportive partner, and people seem to like my product. I always lived my life a little unconventional, and when a door opened to a new adventure that I liked I went for it.
To me this has nothing to do with luck, it is more about being open and aware of opportunities and take chances sometimes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/carmiclay
- Email: carmiclay@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmiclay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmiclay/
Image Credit:
Pageboy Inc, Worcester, MA, Alena Nobs, Helen Segil
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