We were lucky to catch up with Rachel Schultz recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
One of the things I wanted to value when starting my pottery business was that I wouldn’t pigeon hole myself into one creative style. There are some pieces that are “typical” in my making process, but I am very intentional to add new work into my rotation. I also love learning and so challenge myself to throw things on the potters wheel I’ve never thrown, use new surface decoration techniques, or experiment with glazes. Other things that contribute to my ongoing creative expression include time outdoors, working in my garden, spending time with my family, taking intentional moments to pause and consider, prayer and gratitude, being creative with non-clay mediums (food, drawing, music), and interacting with other artists in my community.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am the owner of Rachel Schultz Pottery and make one-of-a-kind, handmade functional ceramics. Most of my work incorporates 2D designs onto 3D forms. My designs are often inspired by nature, color, movement, and even humor. I am constantly at work in my studio and do my best to restock my website monthly depending on the time of year. The best part of doing what I do is using my creative skills to bring beautiful things into people’s homes. I work to make art accessible to everyone and not just those with significant means. Everyone deserves beautiful art to drink their morning cup of coffee in.
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?
Great question! The first word that comes to mind when beginning any creative or vocational journey is patience. It has taken a great deal of patience for me to learn my craft and launch a business. I found it so freeing to not expect perfection the first or the fiftieth time, but to let myself learn and embrace the process.
The second word I just alluded to would be learn. I sought out people both in the ceramic world and business world to ask, listen, and learn from. I think being a life-long learner is an invaluable quality to have as a creator and entrepreneur.
The third quality that I have benefited from on my journey is grit. There have been many moments when it has been tempting to “throw in the towel”. It has required perseverance and determination to keep at it. And I would add that I also need those in my life who encourage me to persevere in those moments. I find that I can only muster up a certain amount of grit and must include trusted people.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
The biggest challenge I currently face is balancing work and life with two teenage daughters and working out of my home studio. Finding time to be present with my family is a priority for me and it can be difficult to find the right time to work and the right time to be with my people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rachelschultzpottery.com
- Instagram: rachelschultzpottery
