We were lucky to catch up with Melissa Mendavia recently and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
My optimism has always stemmed from a deep-seated belief in the harmony of elements, a lesson learned early on. Growing up without cable TV, my world was instead a vibrant tub of Crayola crayons. Optimism was born from the perseverance of figuring out which colors truly sang together, playing with scale, and discovering the perfect layout. As cheesy as it sounds, finding that harmony between all those visual elements – especially with color – was always my key. This pattern continued with music, where optimism fueled my journey to learn piano, violin, and singing, culminating in the joy of performing my favorite songs.
It was this same optimism that carried us through the pandemic, and later, introduced itself as a promise to a friend: to get creative again as the world slowly returned to normal. When a new ceramics studio opened nearby, we instinctively signed up for a wheel-throwing class, and the rest, as they say, is history. We became utterly obsessed. Optimism became my guide through every stage of creating a ceramic piece, from its initial form to its final glazed state, enduring multiple transformations and two firings. Ultimately, that profound sense of optimism blossoms in the harmony I strive to achieve between a pleasing form and captivating glaze color combinations.
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?
At Totally Social Ceramics, my role extends far beyond the potter’s wheel—it’s a true labor of love across every touchpoint. As a solo entrepreneur, I not only immerse myself in perfecting each ceramic piece, but I also personally handle all the photography, videography, and editing you see in my online shop and across social media. What might appear as a simple video showcasing a finished mug, is, for me, a full-scope production: from the initial spark of creation, through the meticulous crafting and glazing, to the careful styling, shooting, and editing of every visual, perfectly timed to music. It’s truly a cacophony of harmonies, a symphony of full creative expression, deeply rooted in optimism.
What truly excites me about Totally Social Ceramics is the very heart of its name: the desire to craft pieces that spark connection and conversation. I strive to create ceramics that are visually striking, almost compelling you to engage—perhaps to ask, ‘What is that?’ or ‘May I hold this?’ or ‘Where did you find such a unique piece?’ Ultimately, my deepest hope is for every piece to be a tangible nugget of joy, a vessel of optimism. I want someone to pick up my work and instinctively feel: ‘A happy person made this, and this makes me happy, too.’
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?
Looking back, three foundational qualities have profoundly shaped my journey, especially as a ceramic artist: Curiosity, Perseverance, and a healthy dose of Scientific Method.
Curiosity is the undeniable ignition. Why do we venture into the unknown? Why embrace a new hobby, or even try that intriguing seasonal dish? For me, there’s no stronger driving force to action than genuine curiosity. It’s what first led me to the potter’s wheel and continues to push me to explore new forms and glazes. Without it, the creative spark simply wouldn’t ignite. My advice for others? Actively cultivate your ‘whys.’ Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore tangential interests, and follow even the smallest thread of fascination – that’s where innovation begins.
Once curiosity sets the direction, Perseverance kicks in to chart the course. The initial excitement of a new pursuit, whether it’s learning to throw clay or mastering a complex glaze recipe, soon meets the reality of challenges. This is where dedication and grit become paramount. Clay goes through multiple states, often failing before it succeeds, and mastering the craft demands countless hours. My journey is a testament to pushing through those ‘bad days,’ learning from every misstep. For those early in their path, understand that mastery is a marathon, not a sprint. Embrace the process, celebrate small victories, and remember that every ‘failure’ is truly a lesson in disguise.
Finally, integrating a Scientific Method into my creative process has been invaluable. This isn’t about white lab coats, but about observation, experimentation, and logical problem-solving. From understanding the chemistry of glazes to the physics of firing, or even optimizing my workflow, approaching challenges with a ‘test and learn’ mindset is critical. It involves hypothesis (‘What if I try this glaze combination?’), experimentation, careful record-keeping, and analyzing results to refine my approach. My advice: document everything! Note what works and, more importantly, what doesn’t. This systematic approach, combined with sheer elbow grease, allows us to accomplish remarkable things.
These three qualities—curiosity that ignites, perseverance that propels, and the logical pursuit of understanding—are, for me, the very essence of optimism in action. They are the tools that transform ‘what if’ into ‘what is,’ and ‘what is’ into profound joy.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely! Collaboration is a truly exciting frontier for Totally Social Ceramics, and I am always eager to explore new creative partnerships. The inherent beauty of ceramics lies not just in its aesthetic form, but profoundly in its function and malleability—clay truly can take on any shape and purpose.I’m particularly drawn to collaborations that elevate both my work and that of a partner, creating something unique and special. This could range from crafting custom vessels for a new candle launch, designing bespoke display pieces for a jewelry line photoshoot, creating thoughtful boutique hotel welcome gifts for special guests, or even custom cake stands that add an artful touch to baked goods. I’m also very open to creative product collaborations, like unique earring collaborations that blend different materials or aesthetics. For me, these collaborations are where ceramics truly express a stereo effect of optimism – a beautiful symphony of form, color, and function, brought to life through shared vision. If any readers are inspired by this idea and see a potential synergy, I would absolutely love to connect! The best way to reach me is directly through my website, www.totallysocialceramics.com, or you can send a direct message via Instagram at @totally_social_ceramics. I’m excited about the possibilities of creating something wonderful together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.totallysocialceramics.com
- Instagram: totally_social_ceramics
Image Credits
Melissa Mendavia and Zack Zarate
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
