This week in our ongoing Meet the Maker series, we’re thrilled to introduce you to the talented Elizabeth of Elizabeth Benotti Handmade Ceramics.
LBC: When did you start your business ?
Elizabeth: 2012
LBC: How would you describe what you create?
Elizabeth: Elizabeth Benotti Handmade Ceramics is a line of functional handmade ceramics for the home. Everyday life and the objects that surround us is inspiration for my work.
LBC: Where can we find your products?
Elizabeth: My products can be found on Etsy, in a variety of shops, and at pop up markets in the New England area.
LBC: What is one of the biggest obstacle you’ve encountered in business?
Elizabeth: For me the biggest obstacle I have faced in figuring out pricing and whether to offer wholesale.
LBC: Tell us about a few of the best business decisions you’ve made.
Elizabeth: The best business decision I made was to sell at pop up markets. There I get a true sense of what makes people happy and I get to have face-to-face interactions with my customers. That is priceless.
LBC: Suppose we had a time machine. If we blasted ourselves forward 3 years, where would we see your company?
Elizabeth: In 3 years my goal is to have a solid following with my items in shops throughout the country. I would also love to add another phase to my business, teaching ceramic classes.
LBC: Tell us about a pearl of wisdom someone has shared with you. Who said it and how did it help propel you forward?
Elizabeth: I can’t say there was one special bit of wisdom that is the core of my encouragement. My boyfriend could see through my hesitation to kick-start my own business from day one. He has been extremely supportive through the whole process and had the faith in me that I may not of had at times. I trusted his judgment and everyday he sees how hard I work and reminds me how much it is paying off.
LBC: What inspires you?
Elizabeth: Everyday life and the objects that surround us is inspiration for my work. I will look at an existing object and my mind starts in with “how can I make this my way?” What is my interpretation of a plate, cup, pitcher, etc. I can zero in on patterns and textures and put bits and pieces of them into my pieces. I was always fond of coloring books as a child, and here I am creating the canvas for myself.
LBC: Please share one of your favorite resources: a book, a website, an app, a gadget, an event… anything that’s helped save time, money or sanity!
Elizabeth: As an artist who sells at pop up markets and online, my most valued resource is a private group put together on Facebook including other local artist/crafters who are doing just the same. It is an endless book of knowledge with questions, comments, complaints, and overall support. I can’t imagine being where I am now with out the help of my fellow sellers. It’s like one big crazy family and although we may be in competition with one another we are all there to help and be supportive. It’s all about community and networking.
LBC: What is your favorite food?
Elizabeth: Taco’s, by far, are my favorite meal to make and eat. I stand by this every time my friends and I sit around a assortment of toppings and something warm to melt the cheese on a homemade corn tortilla. Sometimes it’s turkey from a local farm, fish, or even butternut squash. If I had a food truck with no doubt I would serve tacos!
Do you have a favorite quote?
Elizabeth:“If we aren’t having fun, then what are we doing here?” –former employer of mine
What recipe is most requested from you?
Elizabeth: I love to garden and grow my own vegetables. If I have a second career someday it will involve food in some manner. My kale salads are always a hit and a recipe that is called for. It is short and simple and very good for you. My most recent favorite combinations is chopped and salted kale with raisins, chopped pecans, parmesan, and a hit of black pepper.
Connect with Elizabeth + Elizabeth Benotti Ceramics all around the web:
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your talent + fabulous ceramics. We look forward to all the wonderful things to come!
Want to see your brand featured in our continuing “Meet the Maker Monday” series? Drop us a line: hello@luckybreakconsulting.com. Please use “MEET THE MAKER” as the subject line and be certain to include your web address. We look forward to hearing from you!
I love that she mentioned her private Facebook group of business owners. Being around like-minded individuals is SO important!