Meet Jillia English

We were lucky to catch up with Jillia English recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Jillia with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I got my strong work ethic from my parents. My dad ran his own business while working a full time job and my mom always worked. I seen both my parents work so hard while I was growing up so that always encouraged me to also work hard for what I want. I grew up in that life style so it comes natural to me to work extremely hard. Being a small business owner typically means you work a lot more than 40 hours a week to accomplish what you want. But it doesn’t feel like that because it is YOUR business! I seen my dad do it with his business and after helping him for years it built up my understanding and skill to work and strive for what you want. After I started my small business I worked around the clock to get myself started but was proud and accomplished feeling at the end of every day. I create even when I am tired, sad, happy, energized, I just do it and know that hard work will always be rewarded and respected by all.

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 create modern pottery by hand, that is intentionally crafted for your everyday rituals. From sipping on your hot coffee, to enjoying a small treat, to lighting a yummy smelling fall-scented candle.

I focus on wheel throwing, using my own two hands to create every single piece. That’s right! No molds, slip casting, slab rollers, or extruders are used in my studio. Each piece is carefully crafted in small batches in my small basement studio at my home in Williamsport, PA.

I live to make and create! I love to see my pieces being used in everyday life (so if you snag them, make sure you post on social and give me a tag so I can share)! I am constantly creating new forms, color combinations and collections for all seasons. Bright colors, unique designs and techniques are key factors in each of my pieces… and lots of love that can be felt in every item.

I am currently working on my spooky collection for fall and have scheduled drops on my website jilliaceramics.com for each new collection!

I sell my work on my website, in a few local consignment shops, and at pop-up markets!

Fun Facts about me:
– I am a one woman owned business and have been getting down and dirty with clay for over 15 years!
– I am a juried artisan for the PA Wilds.
– I went to college in Pittsburgh, PA for graphic/web design. I had a career in design for over 6 years before becoming a full time ceramic artist.
– I love good coffee, riding my dirt bike and jet ski, working out, supporting local everything and doing anything outside on a sunny day!

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?

1. Work Ethic
Not being afraid to work my butt off has impacted my journey greatly. If you are passionate about what you do you won’t want to stop at 5pm. I love to work and to create art so that has propelled me forward drastically. I have always worked hard from working multiple jobs most of my life, to finishing grad school while working full time.

2. Design/Marketing Background
I have a degree and career background in design and marketing. I know how to create my own website to be easy to use and look like my brand. I can quickly create my own advertising graphics. I can code and design a quick email campaign. I can take great product photos. I have a diverse art background that has helped me A LOT in my journey to have my business for my art. I don’t have to outsource any of my work which can save a lot of money. I have always loved art and when I went to college I had no idea that I was going to be a full time artist later in life but everything happens for a reason, and because of that education and knowledge it has helped me build the business I have today for myself. My advice to you is to learn as much as you can, take online classes, learn best design practices, sign up for canva! There are endless tools out there for us to use!

3. Creativity
I have been passionate about art my entire life. I have always loved painting, drawing, and crafts. I knew I wanted a career in art, which pushed me to pursue graphic design which then made me realize how much I loved web design as well. Through all this I was also always creating with clay no matter where I went. I thrived on being creative. I am passionate about art and other artists. If you are truly passionate about what you do and you work hard, you will eventually find your people.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

My number one challenge right now is figuring out what is truly worth my time. It is easy to take on every new consignment shop that messages you, every wholesale order, every market, BUT I am only one person. I went through my phase of saying yes to everything and realized quickly that that was not the best decision making for my business. I am learning how to follow my heart more with my work. Taking on jobs that I am truly passionate and excited to work on. If I am dreading a 50 mug wholesale order then I know I need to take on less jobs like that! I create to be happy and want to create work that I WANT TO, and I am leaning more into that.

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