Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emmanuel Okechukwu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Emmanuel, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I come from a humble background, and I’ve made it my mission to give my children a better life than I had. This drives my commitment to hard work. I believe that opportunities often come unexpectedly, and I want to be ready when they do. While I pray and trust in God, I understand that He works through people. My goal is to cultivate a strong work ethic so that when the right person or opportunity comes along, my efforts will speak for themselves and attract support.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I love working with clay, and I’ve been doing so since 2012. What amazes me most is how clay continues to fascinate me, even after all these years. It keeps me excited and, at times, nervous—it grounds me and constantly reminds me that there’s always more to learn. There’s something magical about opening a kiln for the 100th time and still feeling the thrill of anticipation, waiting to see how a familiar glaze has transformed.
One of the things I cherish most about my work is making functional pieces—objects that can be used, admired, and loved. My pieces not only serve practical purposes but also bring people together, sparking conversations about cultures, designs, and traditions. I find it incredible how handmade pots, in their simplicity, can become meaningful heirlooms, passed down through generations, carrying stories and memories along the way.
Currently, I am exploring African print designs on the surfaces of my pots. This new direction allows me to create works that are proudly and unapologetically African, celebrating the beauty, richness, and diversity of the continent’s artistic heritage.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities have had the most impact on my journey:
Surrounding myself with supportive people:
I believe that growth happens best when you’re surrounded by people who genuinely care about you and want to see you succeed. Their encouragement has been essential to my progress, and I’ve learned that choosing your circle wisely makes all the difference.
Relentless practice and striving for excellence:
I’ve always aimed to be among the best in any field I pursue, pushing myself to rank within the top 10. I firmly believe that the more you create, the better you become—consistent effort leads to mastery. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
Practicing kindness, especially during tough times:
I remind myself to be kind to everyone I meet and to appreciate those who remain in my life. Just as importantly, I’ve learned to be kind to myself. Struggling doesn’t mean failure—everyone faces dark days, and it’s important to recognize that we are never truly alone on this journey.
Advice:
For those just starting out, I recommend surrounding yourself with people who uplift you, committing to relentless practice without fear of failure, and remembering to treat yourself with patience and compassion. Success isn’t a straight line—trust the process, even during the hard moments.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was to let me be myself. They gave me the gift of peace by not forcing their dreams onto me. My mother’s only question whenever I wanted to pursue something was, “Are you sure this is what you want?” If my answer was yes, she gave me her full support.
Although no one in my family has a background in pottery, my mum is my biggest fan. She’s also the first person I go to when I need to brainstorm ideas for a new piece. One of the things I value most about her is her honesty—she never sugarcoats things. I remember when I told her I wanted to switch from decorative ceramics to making crockery. Her response was, “You know you’re terrible at making cups, right? Stick to the vases you’re good at.”
Her honesty gives me confidence because I know I’ll always receive fair and constructive feedback. That kind of grounding has been invaluable on my creative journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: emmanuel_okechukwu_ceramics
Image Credits
Elizabeth Lamark
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