Meet Evelyn Ambrose

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evelyn Ambrose a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Evelyn, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

For me, I’ve learned that it’s important to take a break by stepping back and doing something fun. I love to go shopping and relax at home after working for hours in the studio. Without taking those self care breaks, I’d be burnt out! Burn out is my enemy, and sometimes it’s really hard to overcome burn out. Typically after a few days of being away from the studio, my excitement to create and get back in to it becomes one of my greatest desires. Almost like how I felt when I was first learning and was always eager to practice and expand my skills. Everyone needs a little break sometimes.

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

I’ve been a potter since I was 12. I was in 7th grade at the time and Covid 19 had shut down my classes for the rest of the semester. I had so much free time and unlike a lot of my peers, I chose to learn something new. I’m 17 now, going into my senior year of high school and I’m a completely self sufficient small business. In my small town I’m known as the pottery girl and a lot of people have a little something from me over the years. I make functional wares: mugs, pitchers, bowls, vases, colanders, sculptures, dinnerware, jewelry dishes, and so much more. I love to experiment by making new things, trying new color combinations, and carving. My prices definitely are no where near my bigger city competitors but that’s okay. I love my community and making personal connections with the people who buy my wares. I have been interviewed by my local newspaper, school paper, Nashville Voyager, and now Voyages Bold Journey Series over the years. I sell locally at the farmers market and have sold at various locations in west Tennessee. Next fall, I plan to pursue a college degree in ceramics and business to really make my techniques and professionalism solid!

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?

1. Determination- without determination, I would have no motive to do better and to keep putting myself out there.
2. Fear- my fear or anxiety keeps me going. I’m always scared of missing a deadline or failing a customer. Because I am constantly worried about upsetting a customer, I have never had an upset customer!
3. Natural talent- I have always been an art kid. I loved to draw, paint, craft, and play music. Pottery felt really natural to me and I’ve never been told it wasn’t good enough. From the beginning, I’ve had people- mostly family members- wanting some pottery. Of course as my quality improved, the people wanted some too!

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My parents. I love my parents and they have given me everything I need to be successful. I am self sufficient now because of them. From driving me wherever I needed to go to buying me a kiln with my life savings. Without them acknowledging my skills and caring about me, I’d be like everyone else in my class working at chick fil a in a hot, sweaty, stressful environment working long hours with mediocre pay. My parents also are my number one fans and always encouraged me to keep going and don’t give up on my talent. There have been times when I wanted to quit and be a regular kid but they wouldn’t let me! It all worked out and that’s okay. My parents taught me respect, kindness, integrity, intelligence, honesty, and most of all, responsibility.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: Clay Chicken Pottery