Meet Dorel Dalya Koyen

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dorel Dalya Koyen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dorel Dalya, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has never been a single moment for me; it’s an ongoing, evolving process. As a self-taught artist, I often felt like I didn’t belong in rooms full of formally trained creatives. I’d question whether my work was “real” enough, whether I was just playing at something others had earned.

What helped me begin to move through that doubt was staying grounded in the reasons I started creating in the first place: connection, honesty, and the joy of making. Each time someone connected with one of my pieces, laughed at a message on a mug, bought a dish as a gift for a friend, it reminded me that value isn’t defined by credentials, but by impact.

There are still days when the doubt creeps in. But I’ve learned to keep creating anyway. I’ve built a habit of showing up in the studio, trusting the process, and letting the work speak for itself. I don’t wait for the voice of certainty, I listen for the quiet reassurance that comes with showing up over and over again.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m a ceramic artist creating handmade pieces for the home and kitchen, blending simple forms, earthy tones, and a playful sense of storytelling. While I’m known for my notepaper-style designs featuring handwritten messages on dishes, mugs, coasters, and magnets, my work extends beyond that. I also create sculptural forms like donut vases and functional drinkware that reflect both curiosity and care in their design.

What excites me most is how handmade objects can hold personal meaning. Whether it’s a vase that catches the light just right or a mug with a cheeky note, I love making pieces that bring beauty and personality to everyday rituals.

Each piece is shaped by hand in my Maryland studio, and no two are exactly alike. I recently launched a customizable collection that lets customers add their own words to the work, and I’m continuing to explore new forms and ideas for upcoming shows and seasonal markets.

At its heart, my brand is about connection; between people, objects, and the quiet joy of handmade things.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are persistence, self-trust, and curiosity.

Persistence has kept me going through the uncertain stretches; when I doubted my work, when pieces cracked in the kiln, when markets were slow. It’s not always glamorous, but showing up consistently, especially when things feel hard or unclear, is what builds momentum over time.

Self-trust has been a slower skill to develop, especially as a self-taught artist. It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel like an outsider. But learning to trust my instincts, what I like, how I want to work, what feels meaningful has helped me build something authentic and sustainable.

Curiosity keeps the work alive. Trying new techniques, playing with forms, asking “what if?”, that openness fuels growth and joy. It also helps me stay flexible and adapt when things don’t go as planned.

For those just starting out, my advice is this: don’t wait to feel “ready.” Start messy, stay curious, make mistakes, and keep showing up. Your voice will get clearer with time. Surround yourself with people who support your growth, not just your success. And above all, remember that there’s no right path; just your path.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I feel overwhelmed, I make a list. It sounds simple, but writing things down helps me break the mountain into manageable steps. Whether it’s tasks or just the general stress of life, seeing it laid out in smaller pieces makes it feel less heavy. It gives me a sense of control and direction, even when things feel chaotic.

My advice? Don’t keep it all in your head. Get it out on paper. You’ll be surprised how much lighter everything feels once you do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.doreldalyaseramik.com
• Instagram: @doreldalyaseramik