Meet Mackenzie Wareing

We recently connected with Mackenzie Wareing and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I’ve always considered myself an optimistic person. I think life is a whole lot more fun and enjoyable when you look for the best in people and situations. My main sources of optimism, that are DEFINITELY related and have a lot in common are children and Paddington 2, hear me out.
Outside of being a ceramicist, I also work as a nanny and a behavioral therapist for kiddos on the autism spectrum. Working with children, I am able to get joy and optimism straight from the source, farm to table! Every day I get to experience the best parts of life again for the first time through their eyes, and I really couldn’t recommend it more. Kids get to see the world, all of the amazing, wonderful parts of life, for the first time; and everything is so wonderful! Let me tell you, that wonder and excitement for life is contagious! I have learned so much about life from the kids that I work with. They have taught me that optimism is having an open mind, learning from mistakes, and finding joy in every moment. Life is hard, and scary, and so many other things; but every day I am reminded that pure joy, love, and curiosity still exist. And that’s where my optimism comes from.

If you’ve ever seen Paddington 2, you’ll understand how this movie is a source of optimism. Pedro Pascal in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent wasn’t joking when he said it “makes me want to be a better man.” For those who have yet to watch Paddington 2, it’s a story about kindness, empathy, and the idea that even when the world feels unfair, there is always room for love. It’s also a story about a little bear that goes to prison (spoiler alert)! That little bear, and his unwavering positive attitude, taught me that even a small act of kindness can go a long way. Paddington was raised by his wise Aunt Lucy (also a bear), and something that I’ve been really resonating with, this year especially, is a quote from her: “If you look for the good in people, you’ll find it.” If that’s not the definition of optimism, then I don’t know what is! This movie is really just so precious, I can’t recommend it enough. My optimism comes from looking for the good in life, the power of kindness, and the joy of seeing life through a hopeful, childlike lens. Look for the good, I promise you’ll find it.

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?

When I’m not working with kids or watching feel-good movies about bears that go to prison, I’m a ceramicist and run my own small business! I create fun. whimsical, and silly pottery pieces that bring joy and function to every day life. I like to say that I view life through “rainbow colored glasses,” and I think that comes through in my work. At the heart of my work is a simple, but meaningful goal: to spread joy in the world. In my studio, clay becomes a medium for connection, play, and discovery. Each piece I create is an invitation to pause, smile, and engage with the world around you in a way that’s fresh and full of possibility. What I find the most exciting about what I do is the creative freedom that comes with working with clay. Pottery is a unique art form, in that it serves a functional purpose in day-to-day life. There is something incredibly special about knowing a piece that I made from a ball of mud will be part of someone’s daily routine, turning the ordinary into something joyful and meaningful. I believe that when we take time to appreciate the beauty in every day items, we invite a little bit of magic into our lives.
As for what’s new, I’m on a very exciting journey to create my own artistic identity and define what art means to me. I was fortunate enough to attend Pilchuck Glass School this summer, and really take the time to figure out who I am as an artist. Despite everything I learned in my few weeks blowing and bending glass, the most valuable thing was how much I value having fun as an artist. I spent the first few years of my career as a ceramicist struggling to figure out my identity. I thought to be called an “artist” you had to make pieces that were serious and provoked deep thought. I learned this summer that art can be silly and still be meaningful. I can still call myself an artist and make pieces that are fun and whimsical. During a presentation from an instructor on campus, I heard a quote that really stuck with me: “There is nothing more shocking than joy.” This quote informs nearly everything I make now. I am prioritizing exploration and creativity and allowing myself to follow the sense of curiosity and wonder that I felt as a child. My work is a tangible reminder that creativity should be joyful and without boundaries. I feel so fortunate to be able to share my work with the world, and only hope that it sparks as much joy in someone else’s life, as it does in mine.

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?

Do what makes you happy – In everything I do, I try to stay connected to the simple idea of joy. When you’re making art – or really in any career – it’s so easy to get caught up in what other people want you to do, or what’s “popular” at the time. I’ve found that my art resonates most with others when it comes from a place of genuine happiness. My pieces bring me immense joy, and it shows! I love what I do, because I do it for me! My advice to people just starting out, as an artist or otherwise, is to stay true to the things that excite you, even if it feels silly.

Put yourself first – You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritize yourself, your wellbeing, and the things you value. You are the most important person in your life, and you should treat yourself that way. I do my best work when I take care of myself physically, emotionally, and creatively. Put yourself first, not in a selfish way, but in a way that honors your body and mind.

Be a little silly – Maybe this doesn’t need to be said, but I really value silliness. It’s so easy as an artist to get wrapped up in self-doubt, but sometimes you just have to let go and get a little silly with it. I encourage others to make room for joy and playfulness in their work. Don’t be afraid to have fun! Creativity is meant to be enjoyed! The more you embrace the playful side of life, the more fun you’ll have along the way. Be silly, be bold, trust yourself, your path will unfold exactly how it’s supposed to.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

I consider myself extremely lucky in the parental department. My parents have supported me in every endeavor I have ever pursued, in every way they possibly can – and I mean that both in terms of love and practical help. My head has been in the clouds for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had grandiose dreams, and from a young age they encouraged me to follow them, every dream, even the bad ones. I mean, I told them I wanted to be an actor, and a year later we were living in Los Angeles. These people believe in their kids! I could tell them tomorrow that I want to start making puppets, and they’d say “Alright, what can we do to help?” But, honestly, making puppets isn’t super out-of-left-field for me these days.
My parents will drop everything to help me when I need it. My mom, for example, helps me glaze my pieces, despite it being literally back-breaking work. She’s also always my +1 at art markets, bringing her energy and enthusiasm for my work with her. My dad, on the other hand, helps out with the heavy lifting – both figuratively and literally. He helped me obtain and move my 500 pound kiln, which was not an easy job! He’s also definitely my biggest fan, and always cheers me on with unwavering belief in my work. He’s definitely my biggest fan. My parent’s support has never been just about words, they get down and dirty right there with me. They’ve given me a solid foundation of love and support that has allowed me to pursue my art with complete confidence.
There has never been a question in my mind that my mom and dad have my back, regardless of what direction I take. Their belief in my abilities gives me the courage and confidence to continue pursuing my dreams. In times of uncertainty and self-doubt, their support is often the only thing that keeps me going. My parents’ biggest gift to me was giving me the strength to be myself. Under their guidance, I learned that it’s okay to take risks and follow my heart, even when the path isn’t clear or easy. I feel so beyond fortunate to have two people in my corner who I know will never stop cheering for me. I am so lucky to be able call myself their daughter.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://texasredceramics.com
• Instagram: @texasredceramics