Meet Gina Maas

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Gina Maas. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Gina below.

Hi Gina, 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 something I continue to work on, and it’s an ongoing journey. Some days, I feel more confident in myself than others. But the older I get and the longer I run my business, the less I struggle with it.

I’ve had the privilege of visiting several artists I admire and follow on social media, getting a behind-the-scenes look at their lives. This has given me a unique perspective—no matter how perfectly curated things appear online, no one has it all together.

When I first started my business, selling my handmade pottery online felt intimidating. I worried about what others would think of my work. I hadn’t gone to school for ceramics, and I wasn’t sure if what I had to offer was truly “worthy.” But I was surprised—not only did people start buying my pottery, but they also told me how much they loved my style.

That validation helped build my confidence and made me realize something important: beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I didn’t need to appeal to everyone—I just needed to find my people.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I run a small handmade pottery business specializing in functional pieces designed for everyday use. My studio is located in a barn , right on our property. One of my favorite things about my work is that I get to step out my front door each morning and walk to my studio—surrounded by nature, ready to create.

I have so many interests, one of which is interior design. I think that passion influences my pottery because I don’t just see my pieces as functional—I envision them as part of a home’s design. There are always more ideas in my head than there are hours in the day, and that creative energy keeps my work exciting.

Recently, I started hosting pottery workshops in my studio, and it has been such a rewarding experience. I want these workshops to be more than just a pottery class—I want them to feel like an escape, a moment to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the countryside. We start the evening with wood-fired pizza, charcuterie, and wine before diving into the lesson. Each person creates a piece they’ll take home once it’s fired.

At first, hosting workshops was stressful because I don’t naturally love speaking in front of people. But over time, I’ve gained confidence, and now I absolutely love it. The positive feedback from those who attend has been incredibly encouraging, and I’m excited to keep growing this part of my business.

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. Practice, Practice, Practice

There’s no substitute for simply spending time with clay. The more time I dedicate to creating, the better my skills become. Pottery is a craft that only improves with consistent practice. Every piece I make teaches me something new. In addition to hands-on practice, I also love reading books on pottery and watching YouTube videos. You can learn so much from other potters, and I find it incredibly inspiring to see what other creative people are doing.
2. A Willingness to Step Outside My Comfort Zone

When I began selling my pottery, I was intimidated by putting my work out into the world. I worried about whether it was “good enough.” More recently, starting pottery workshops pushed me even further outside my comfort zone—I was nervous about teaching and speaking in front of people. But every time I took a step forward despite the fear, I gained confidence. Growth happens in those uncomfortable moments, and embracing that has been a game-changer.
3. A Connection to My Creative Vision

One of the most rewarding parts of my journey has been developing a style that feels true to me. I’ve learned to trust my creative instincts, knowing that not every piece will appeal to everyone—and that’s okay. My love for nature, rustic aesthetics, and interior design all influence my work, and staying connected to that vision has helped me attract the right audience and build a business that feels authentic.

As I continue on this journey, I know there’s always more to learn. But these three qualities—practice, stepping out of my comfort zone, and staying true to my creative vision—have been invaluable in shaping my path.

My advice to someone just beginning this journey would be to stay true to your creative vision. It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about what others think or if you’re doing things “right,” but remember—art is subjective. What resonates with one person might not with another, and that’s perfectly okay.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Whoever you might be comparing yourself to already exists, and the world needs you to be uniquely you. Embrace your own style, your own process, and trust that what you’re creating is valuable.

In the end, it’s your authenticity and individuality that will set you apart. So take the time to discover what you love, what excites you, and allow your unique vision to shine through in your work.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

I’m not sure I would have even considered starting my business if it hadn’t been for my husband. For the first half of my life, I focused on raising our five children, and as they began to leave the house, I started feeling the need for a new purpose. It was during this time that my husband encouraged me to find something I was passionate about and pursue it.

As a creative, I can sometimes be a little scattered with my ideas and thoughts—something that I know many creatives can relate to. My husband has been an incredible help in this area. Not only is he my partner in life, but he also owns and operates a successful franchise business where he coaches other creatives like me on how to run their businesses.

We sit down regularly to discuss what I want my business to look like in the future and break down the goals I can work toward to get there. His advice, guidance, and belief in me have been invaluable in shaping my path forward. I’m so thankful for the time he’s invested in me and for always believing in me.

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Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

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?

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

Image Credits