From Corporate to Clay - The Journey to Ceramic Souls

Hi and welcome!

I’ve been thrilled by the excitement around Ceramic Souls, and I’ve also had a couple of questions: Why pottery? Why a studio? So, I thought I’d share a little about my journey.

I’m not a master potter, and I don’t have a degree in ceramics or decades of experience. What I do have is a deep passion—for community, connection, growth, learning and teaching.

With over 25 years in corporate America—sales, marketing, customer experience—I worked with amazing mentors (and some not-so-amazing ones!) who taught me invaluable lessons about running a business and navigating life. I’m endlessly grateful for those experiences, but something was missing…nothing sparked my soul.

Although my career had been rewarding, I didn’t feel fully connected. I started asking myself tough questions: Who am I? What do I truly value? How do I want the rest of my life to unfold?

That soul-searching led me back to pottery—my first class in nearly 40 years. I stumbled upon a flyer for a local studio in Minneapolis, and before I knew it, I was sitting at a wheel, hands, arms and legs covered in clay. That class, taught by the amazing Jen Noetzli of Forma Clay, sparked something in me—an enduring love for creating, connecting, and clay.

From there, I dove in headfirst: taking classes, joining the studio as a member, and eventually realizing I wanted to spend my days immersed in this passion. In early 2024, I left corporate America behind to build Ceramic Souls—a studio that reflects everything I’ve learned and everything I value.

The journey hasn’t been easy—it’s been humbling, challenging, and deeply rewarding. But for the first time, I feel aligned with my purpose. My hope for Ceramic Souls is to build a community that provides others with the same clarity and joy that pottery has brought me. If we thrive as individuals, we thrive together.

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more about the story behind Ceramic Souls. I can’t wait to see you in the studio soon!