An Inspired Chat with Gina DeSantis

Gina DeSantis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Gina, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day during holiday preparation has to be organized. I spend a quick half hour on Sunday mornings to create a to-do list of what I need to make each week. Because all of my work is handmade I carry some inventory which means when I get an order I do not necessarily need to make the whole list of items. I like to work in batches. If I get an order for four mugs I throw sixteen because that is what I can fit on one wooden board. I have help from my staff with trimming and making handles so I also plan on certain items for timing their assistance.
I spend about a half hour on emails each day and social media. I try to be more organized about social media during the holidays as I am so busy making I do not have time to create content. I also work on reaching out to press in large batches.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I officially started my brand in 2013 and became a full time maker during this year but I had been selling work since finishing my MFA in 1006. The majority of my time is spent creating wholesale orders for shops large and small. I have work at over 300 stores across the country and a few outside of the USA including shops in Canada, Japan and Italy. I also sell with larger retailers like Nordstrom, Anthropologie and Uncommon Goods.

My studio is in Lakewood, Ohio. I have been in this space since 2008 therefore I have a large following that shops private sales and our larger markets throughout the year. I am also on the public art advisory board for Lakewood as well as the master planning committee. I try to remain active inside and outside the studio in regards to the arts.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I had a balance growing up of family members who ran businesses along with others that were creative. I think the business of art hybrid made sense for me as I got older. My studio work ethic was formed in graduate school while working with Kirk Mangus and Eva Kwong at Kent State University. This experience helped me shape how I structure my time.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I do not see giving up as an option but the last few years for business owners has been a whirlwind. Between the pandemic and the current economy buying patterns have shifted. Orders are unpredictable. I am constantly looking for new and creative ways to sell and market my work. I cannot imagine any other job.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
When I was in graduate school the rise of Etsy and the craft movement started its resurgence. I have seen a lot of businesses and artists come and go. I also have noticed the fad of monetizing hobbies. I think its important to realize that a hobby can just be a hobby. There is a huge spectrum in the quality of work in ceramics. There are those who have studied for years in the medium versus the crowd that took a few classes and now wants to sell work. I think there is room for all of it but with ceramics there is a technical component that can be lost without proper studies.

I also try to not confine myself to one aesthetic or trend. I think true craft is timeless.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I accept that success is not always measured monetarily and that it is a non linear journey. I have had milestones throughout my career and large gaps in time where I felt like I was spinning my wheels. Success is not overnight and something you build on.

I also think rest is just as productive as work. You need to find a balance to all things in life.

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Image Credits
Whitney Traylor

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