MY FIRST BLOG POST: GET TO KNOW ME! 👋🏼
My time has come to get stuck into monthly blog posts! I love a good natter so I'm excited to sit down with a cuppa tea each month and indulge in this little time of reflection.
For those of you who don't know already, my name is Heather and HALLO Ceramics is my lovely little handmade ceramic business. ☺️
My Brand Name
Pronounced "Ha-low" (or hello with an 'a'), my business name was inspired by two things (one a little sillier than the other..). I have huge love for David Bowie, his music and his films. He was way ahead of his time, had inspirational amounts of self expression (both within his music and fashion) and I can't help but feel good when I dance along to his songs. A song of his, 'Hallo Spaceboy', caught my eye when searching for my brand name and I was really drawn to the word 'Hallo'. It has its personal connection for me to the song, but mostly the word itself has a lovely breezy and welcoming feel to it, and it more often than not, a nice conversation starter!
The other little silly thing that I can't help but think about each time I hear the word 'Hallo', is (if you have seen the Labyrinth, this is for you) the silly little blue worm! The line " 'allo, come inside and meet the misses", gets me every time.
And that's that!
How did I start?
Like many small businesses these days, HALLO Ceramics was born during the lockdown. I worked for an insurance company previously which adapted quickly to home-working meaning I was lucky enough to continue working throughout the entire lockdown, but I had a creative itch that needed to be scratched.
In 2020, I entered a new relationship (with my now fiancé) Sam and we moved into this beautiful open loft-style flat together, in Cardiff! Whilst originally from Nottingham, I was living in Cardiff at the time after studying Illustration there and decided to stay. I spent 8 years there in total before moving back home in 2021. During our time together in this delicious flat, both our creative juices were flowing and my business was born. Sam is a musician and has a magnificent creative mind; that combined with his mammoth support and encouragment, he helped install faith in me and my ideas which is something I've always lacked.
I started a 6 week pottery throwing course which eventually led to my interest being predominately in hand-building. I started creating pendants for earrings and began to experiment with different brush-on glazes that appealed to me. We had lots of beautiful plants in our flat and I took inspiration from these, which is where one of my first (still very popular) products was born: my Monstera Leaf Dishes!
By November of 2020, I had my first 4 collections of earrings together and a selection of Leaf Dishes too, so I signed up for my first market. I was shocked at the success of it! Having never set up a market stall before and the brand identity still in development, it was all a little thrown together and messy, but boy did I have a good day. It was absolutely the push I needed, the reassurance that this was something worth pursuing and the chance to talk about my business and meet lots of new people. Fire in my belly: ignited. 🔥
Fast Forward 3+ years!
HALLO Ceramics will be turning 4 this year (2024) and I'm not entirely sure this feels real yet. In October of '23 I was made redundant from my Insurance job after 6 years with them. After a big old panic and cry, I came to the realisation that maybe this was everything I wanted and needed. The universe gave me a little push and I thank her for that. 5 months into being full time and I haven't looked back. I have so much more time to attend markets, host workshops and make all the new ideas that had been swirling around my brain for all that time. It's been an absolute whirlwind and I feel so grateful this is my job. 🤘🏼
HALLO Ceramics' core values
So what is I am trying to achieve with my business? My main goal is to create products that are designed to help you explore expression through jewellery, explore your individuality and boost confidence. I aim to achieve this by using playful shapes, bright colours and individual design. My handmade homewares are delightfully wobbly, wonky and oh so unqiue. I often use the pinching method which leaves behind all these glorious little makers marks which are a warming reminder of how much time, love and patience has gone into the piece. So, all being well, there should be something out there that when you wear it with pride or place it in your home and safe space, you can't help but feel unapologetically ✨ YOU ✨.
So, what's available?
As of writing this blog post, I now have 9 earring ranges live with a choice of 7-10 shapes. There are also an array of earring options within my 'Limited Edition' category too, comprising of shapes a little more playful (like my fried eggs, for example!) The glazes I used tend to be bright, colourful, speckled or somewhat simplistic to allow them to be that statement piece to complete your look.
In my homewares, I offer 3 different styles of mugs, both decorative and functional dish tableware, my deliciously wobbly Pinch Pots and Bud Vases, Monstera Leaf dishes and a small collection of candle holders, too.
Markets, Workshops and Pots and Pints!
Alongside selling my handmade ceramics at markets far and wide, I also now hostly regular workshops! My HALLO Ceramic's workshops are an extension of my core values; time dedicated for you to het lost for a few hours, to unleash your inner creativity and learn a few new skills along the way. No experience needed, just a passion for crafting and a desire to get your hands dirty. Some examples of my workshops are: Bud vases, Mugs, Beer Steins, Candle holders and many more!
Find out more via my workshops page!
And, Pots and Pints. Where do I start!? This is a monthly mucky event that I host alongside Emma, my best friend of 16+ years, who is also a fantastic potter. (@emmakimbleystudio). This is a larger, more social event, that is comprised of games, a bopping playlist, prizes, a main make and a free drink on arrival! Our events are hosted at Rough Trade Nottingham and are usually weekday evenings or Sunday afternoons. You can't help but leave with a smile on your face and maybe a few new friends too!
Find out more via my Pots and Pints page!
Until next time! 👋🏼
Well, I've actually really enjoyed writing this blog post. If you've stuck around until the end then thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed getting to know me and my ceramics. I could have rambled on for longer but I really need to get making some tea light holders! If you'd like to ask any questions or would like to know more, get in touch. :-)
Over and out!
Heather.