(Archived from August 2020) Muddy Thoughts, an Introduction
Our little ocean-front homestead.
I really hope the first post is the hardest.
I’ve wanted to start a blog for a while. I’ve done my research, listened to podcasts, have an ongoing list of potential topics to write about, studied what to “do” with the posts and how to share them once written.. But what I’ve struggled with is just getting started. How to start off on the right [left] foot (because I’m a leftie).
But, as Sara Tasker (small business coach & host of two of my top podcasts) says, “Done is better than perfect.” So, here we go..
When I searched Pinterest on what to include in your first blog post, there were a lot of icky, sales-pitchy suggestions, which just didn’t sit right with me. Yes, I create products to sell, but that’s not the point of, nor what I want this blog to be about. One post suggested interviewing yourself.. That seemed more doable and reasonable, so I took some of their questions and did just that.
Who are you, and where do you live?
I’m Amber, and I live in K’il Kun (Sandspit), Haida Gwaii. Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago off the north west coast of Canada (we can see Alaska from view points in the north part of the islands). Haida Gwaii is an 8 hour ferry ride from the mainland, or a 2 hour plane ride from Vancouver (the only place to catch a flight from.. although, at time of writing we are in the midst of pandemic times, so we haven’t had ANY flights to the islands since March). Anyway, long story short, it’s remote. I live here with my husband, dog, cat, and three ducks, in a small house that we built ourselves. My pottery studio is nestled in the bottom floor of the house.
What is your business about?
Short answer - Pottery! Long answer - I moved to Haida Gwaii in 2012, and in search of a winter hobby, began weekly lessons with a local potter. I was rubbish at first, but was quickly captivated with clay and the complex ceramic process. After continuing those winter lessons for a handful of years, I decided I wanted to pursue potting more actively, and felt the allure of entrepreneurship calling my name. We were building our home at the time, so we designed a small studio space within the build, and I opened Sunfish Studio in 2018. I recently (late summer 2020) shifted jobs to allow more time to focus on my pottery. I work part time as the executive director for a local non-profit, but running my business is now a primary focus.
Moving to a small town presented me with the opportunity to embrace my entrepreneurial spirit, and take a hobby and turn it into a feasible small business. If I’d stayed living in the city, I’d likely have followed a more predictable, career-focused path. I appreciate how living in a remote community inspires a more self-sufficient and creative way of life. I hope my work provides a reflection of this island life, as my pots are designed to add rustic comfort to meals and routines, with thoughtful functionality that encourages regular use.
Why did you decide to start blogging?
Because Kayte (from Simple & Season) told me to in her blog/podcast? Kidding.. Kind of. [Side note - Check out her page if you’re a small business owner. I adore her business ethos, as well as her podcast “Grow With Soul” (I’ll likely reference it in the future).
But honestly, I do love writing, and have missed it, as I just haven’t been writing much the past few years. This seems like a natural progression that will provide me an excuse to write more consistently.
Who am I writing for?
Probably mostly my mom to start (love you momma).
Those who love clay (the process and/or the finished result).
Those running small, creative businesses.
Those who are interested in the slower, more mindful and deliberate pace of small town life.
Myself. I’ve started journalling a lot lately, and have found it incredibly helpful to sort through my emotions/thoughts about life, my business, and my development as a potter. Once I started writing, I wanted to write more. I’m now constantly grabbing my laptop or notepad to jot down a thought. Much of it is rambling. Much of it is muddy. However, there are themes emerging that I’d like to explore more thoroughly (and potentially turn into blog posts).
What are my goals?
My main goal is to keep making pots, for a long, long time. But making pots can be quite physical, and therefore, hard on your body, and it’s also very dependent on your body. My pottery mentor slipped and broke her arm a while back, and it meant she couldn’t make pots for a long while. Thankfully, she could still teach pottery lessons, and had another business to support her, but it’s a lesson I’ve kept at the back of my mind when planning the diversification of my business.
I have always loved teaching, so workshops have been a natural way to diversify, and have become a newer facet of my business that I’m excited to continue to explore.
I have found I tend to thrive off variety, and pursuing several different avenues keeps me challenged and engaged. I think because of that, I really enjoy the learning, growth, and challenges that come along with becoming an entrepreneur. Not only do you need to be proficient at your craft, you also need to learn the wide array of skills required to run a successful and sustainable small business. I’m hoping that this blog might also be a way to share (and receive) experiences and know-how with other small, creative business owners.
Phew. That wasn’t so bad. Haawa (thank-you) to anyone who actually read this far.. I’m grateful to have you along.
