We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lucia Ocejo. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lucia below.
Lucia, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy. In my experience, overcoming imposter syndrome begins with recognising that these feelings are common. To challenge these negative thoughts, I focus on my strengths while also acknowledging my weaknesses. While I may not have the sharpest attention to detail, be the most creative person in the room, nor finish tasks the fastest, I am confident in my ability to problem-solve, strategise, and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. These are the skills that I bring to the table. My confidence in problem-solving informs my creative process, grounds my resilience, and helps keep imposter syndrome in check.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
To my mind, the history of ceramics weaves an epic tale of humanity. The magic of ceramics lies in its dialogue between the natural landscape and the transformative power of fire. I am drawn to the inherent simplicity of the materials and showcasing their unique character through the process of reduction firing. In the kiln, rocks, ashes, and clays merge to create utilitarian objects—the essence of the potter’s art.
Originally from Mexico City, I now pot away at Crown Works Pottery, nestled in an old Victorian mews in East London. I recently built a gas kiln in the countryside, where I fire all my work every couple of months. I’ve also collaborated with several fine dining restaurants, including KOL, Gold, CAVITA, Popolo, and Pophams, to create bespoke tableware sets.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
For anyone pursuing a career in the creative sphere, it’s essential to understand that the path is never straight—nor should it be, in my view. Each twist and turn shapes your perspective and influences your creative ethos. Challenges will always arise, and overcoming them is rarely easy. As a maker, failure can feel deeply personal, and self-doubt is inevitable. This career path requires the courage to be resilient and to keep pushing forward despite the setbacks.
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 dad has always been, and will likely always be, the person who teaches me to never give up and that anything is possible. My earliest memories of him involve working long hours, yet still finding time to pick me up from school, attend every one of my school events, drive me to football matches first thing on Saturday mornings, nurture each of my curiosities, and show me how to navigate the world to achieve anything I set my mind to. For my dad, there’s no such thing as a closed door. Although trained as an architect, in practice, he is what my siblings and I affectionately call a “todólogo”: Spanish ham connoisseur, ice cream maker, demolition expert, culinary critic, Real Madrid’s first and last fan, restaurateur, burger enthusiast, mentor, superhero, best friend—DAD. Growing up with such a role model, I couldn’t help but be motivated, filled with drive, and ready to dive headfirst into any challenge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luciaocejo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucia.ocejo/
Image Credits
All images were taken by me 🙂
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
