Meet Erika Hitchcock

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

Erika, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

After losing my beloved younger brother in 2019 and experiencing a severe accident while traveling abroad, I was unable to return to my 18-year teaching career. I was grappling with an unimaginable sense of loss while also recovering from the injuries caused by the accident. With only time on my hands, my mother recognized I needed something to get me through my days. She bought a slab roller, a piece of equipment that takes pieces of clay and rolls them into flat slabs ready for hand building. This piece of equipment turned out to be the catalyst of my creative journey turned into a thriving art business. My sense of purpose emerged from a place of deep suffering.

I began sculpting wedding gowns from photographs using the slab roller to prep clay for sculpting. I would spend my days in my home studio focusing on creating which took my mind away from the loss and grief I felt. My husband would pop in my studio ever so often and say, ‘You know, you could sell those.’ I would laugh and brush off the statement, however by the 100th dress sculpture, I started to think maybe I could.

The realization that I could create and sell beautiful pieces of art as tributes to love stories ignited my motivation and gave me a renewed sense of purpose. What a wonderful way to spend my days focused on love. My brother often said life was about love. He loved deeply and showed love often, even when he was in pain and tremendous suffering. The idea that I now can focus on the happiest moments of people’s lives brings me great joy and purpose. I truly feel this business is a gift and I cherish each customer that commissions me to play a small roll in their love story.

Whether it’s the bride, the mother of the bride, a husband, a best friend, a sibling, or cousins, each commission comes to me with a unique and beautiful personal story of love. This unexpected gift wasn’t something I had foreseen when I first started my business. My focus was on creating—on form, texture, scale, and details. I wasn’t prepared for the inspiring stories that have ultimately contributed to my own healing and sense of purpose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I create bridal gown replicas out of stoneware clay. These replicas are symbols of loves stories from all across the country. The bridal gown is the most exquisite form a dress can take — and also one of the most personal.Though there are many interpretations of the bridal gown as a symbol, to me, it embodies concepts of hope, love, and future promise. It represents a profound choice to transition from a singular, individual existence to something larger and more open; a collective life and new chapter. It marks the ability to step forward, together, and forge a new path in the long line of legacy, creating a vast collection of new hopes, ambitions, and dreams.For me, the wedding dress represents change—in its purest and most powerful form. It celebrates a promise that, in this world, you will never be alone. Through StoneWear Ceramics, I aim to share my work in a way that helps preserve the powerful and wonderful memories that define our lives.
I dedicate my work to my brother who was my best friend.A portion of StoneWear Ceramics’ proceeds will be donated to local groups and organizations that bring social opportunities to adults struggling to find normalcy and companionship while living with mental illness.I hope to bring some encouragement to those affected by these illnesses, to offer support to those feeling isolated and alone, and to remind others that love is something stronger than stone — and because of that strength, it’s never too late to clear the canvas and make the choice to start something new. My current project, the With Love Campaign aims to bring art and mental health advocacy together in our local community. See withlovenami.com for more info.
Another component of my business is Stronger Than Stone. When we are young, we love fairytales and happy endings. But as we grow into adulthood, we soon realize that life requires persistence, resiliency and strength. There are curveballs behind every corner and, even when it seems impossible, unpredictable obstacles and losses. StoneWear Ceramics was born from a time of loss and grief, yet I was lucky enough to discover something beautiful within myself and in my art — and use that discovery as a way to focus on the future and heal. With healing comes empathy for those who have experienced life’s trials and tragedies, along with respect and admiration for those who stand strong, continue through their struggles, and triumph over adversity. I dedicate this portion of my business to those women who have experienced life-altering obstacles and persevered against incredible odds. Through these remarkable women, we find inspiration, hope, and a fighting spirit made of something much stronger than stone. stonewearceramics.com/stronger-than-stone-stories
It’s been incredible to experience this journey and grow a business supported across three generations of women from my family. My mom and my daughter; these ladies are my team! From my mother’s handcrafted silk and velvet garment bags included with every sculpture, to my daughter’s design of the essential branding elements that help this business thrive, their creativity and dedication enrich the entire StoneWear experience and inspire me each day. My family, who are here day in and day out, I love beyond words. I am grateful to have such support in my life, and such fierce friends in my corner.

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?

The three skills that have had the most significant impact on my journey are resilience, a strong work ethic, and perseverance. Starting a business with such a unique product was initially daunting. There were times when, despite recognizing the business’s evolution, I felt discouraged. Fortunately, I have a very supportive family that believes in me and offers encouragement through every twist and turn. With a dedicated team and the perseverance to work hard, my efforts have truly paid off. My business is thriving, and I find just as much joy in working with my clients and learning their stories as I do in creating.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

The biggest area of growth has been my outreach. Selling my product did not come easy. I am more of an introvert. Having to put myself and my art out there was one of the hardest things for me. But doing so, has made me more confident and I have seen tremendous growth in my business over the last 12 months. I have realized that I have to be able to confidently promote my work if I want to succeed. It has been wonderful to see the reception and positive feedback I receive when I am willing to step outside my comfort zone and promote what I love. I found this quote and just love it; “Love what you do more than your need to be recognized for it, and others will recognize you through that love. For when you are motivated by love, you are touching truths that live in everyone.” – Terah Cox (Book of Days – Vol. 1)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://stonewearceramics.com/
• Instagram: stonewear_ceramics
• Facebook: StoneWear Ceramics by Erika Hitchcock

Image Credits

Judith Soule, Fresh Look Photography