We recently connected with Bella Betiato and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Bella, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Overcoming imposter syndrome is an everyday practice. To me, it involves a mix of awareness (catching it early makes a big difference), mindset shifts, and self-compassion, as well as surrounding myself with humans I trust who will give it to me straight if what I’m doing isn’t great. In fact, I got close to quitting pottery in my first year, and my close friends were the ones who kept me going—so it works the other way around too.
On the other hand, coming to your craft with the innocence of a child is BIG. This means being okay with things not looking great but having fun in the process anyway. It takes the pressure off, and the results are often pure and exquisite in some way or another.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Brazil-born, LA-based potter and the founder of Monaad, a ceramics and lifestyle brand rooted in gentle living and intentionality. What began as a therapeutic practice has become a way of life—creations in clay that elevate everyday rituals.
Monaad offers handcrafted ceramics—tumblers, bowls, candles, and more—that embody simplicity, balance, and the beauty of functional art. Each piece reflects the philosophy of slow living, encouraging mindfulness and connection through daily rituals like pouring, sharing, and sipping.
At the heart of Monaad is a deep appreciation for crafting from the earth, transforming clay into timeless pieces that inspire grounding and presence in life’s simplest moments.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are my internal guidance, the balance between obsession and recharge, and design as my superpower. Each of these has shaped not only my approach to work but also how I experience life and connect with the world around me.
My internal guidance system has been a lifelong evolution. When I was younger, I said yes to nearly every opportunity, whether or not I truly wanted it. This openness allowed me to learn, grow, and compile a wealth of experiences that built my confidence and taught me what feels right and what doesn’t. Over time, those experiences helped me fine-tune my guiding system. Now, I engage in things I feel genuinely called to, which makes my life richer, more fulfilling, and aligned with who I am. It’s a more intentional way of experiencing life and it fills my cup daily.
The balance between obsession and recharge has become one of my greatest strengths. I’ve come to accept that I go through phases—sometimes I’m on fire, consumed with a restless energy that drives me to move mountains and bring my vision to life. In these moments, I feel unstoppable, fully immersed in creating something I see in my mind and manifesting it into the world. But I’ve also learned that this fiery phase doesn’t last forever. When it tapers off, I give myself permission to retreat, cuddle the dog, recharge, and find balance. Instead of fighting these cycles, I now respect them, knowing that both are essential: the fire propels ideas into reality, and the quiet restores me to even have the idea in the first place.
Design as one of the human senses. Becoming a designer in my 20s has been a transformative force in my life. It programmed me with a delusional sense that I can imagine anything into form. The day-to-day challenges of being a professional designer—solving problems, bringing abstract ideas into reality, and creating beauty with intention—have been a masterclass in “making things happen.” While my focus has been on cultivating brands, the skills I’ve honed extend far beyond the professional realm. They shape how I see the world, decipher how things are made, and imagine how they could be better and more impactful.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Are you looking for collaborators?
Absolutely. Collaboration has always been a source of inspiration for me, and I’m excited to connect with individuals and brands who share a passion for craftsmanship, design, and thoughtful living. Here’s a bit more about the types of collaborations I’m looking for:
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
I’ve long envisioned working with restaurants and coffee shops to create custom tableware and tumblers that elevate the dining or coffee-drinking experience. There’s something magical about pairing handcrafted ceramics with thoughtfully crafted food or beverages—it creates a sensory moment that elevates the experience. I’d love to partner with establishments that value artistry and want their tableware to reflect their unique identity. Whether it’s a signature tumbler for a café or my dragon bowls in a signature glaze for a restaurant, I’m eager to bring a tactile, functional element to these spaces.
Interior Design (lighting and tiles)
I’m also deeply interested in exploring the intersection of pottery, lighting and tile design. There’s so much potential in creating sculptural yet functional lighting pieces that can transform a space with warmth and texture, same can be said about custom tiles on an accent wall for a mural effect. I’m looking to collaborate with creatives—industrial designers, architects, or fellow artists—who are as excited about bringing ceramics into homes in an intentional way.
Mini Pottery Gardens and Ecosystems
Another area I’m eager to dive into is the creation of mini pottery gardens and ecosystems. These are small, curated worlds where ceramics and greenery come together to create something alive and enchanting. I’d love to collaborate with plant enthusiasts, botanists, or anyone working with terrariums and indoor gardens. Imagine tiny pottery planters housing thriving micro-ecosystems or ceramic pieces designed specifically for certain types of plants—it’s a fusion of art and nature that I can’t wait to explore.
How to Connect
If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s chat about how we can combine our skills, visions, and passions to create something special. You can reach me through anchor@monaad.com, or connect with me on IG—@monaadstudio. I’m always open to hearing new ideas, so even if your concept doesn’t perfectly align with what I’ve described, I’d love to hear from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monaad.com/
- Instagram: @monaadstudio | @bellabetiato
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bella-betiato-43777b56/
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