Meet Stephanie Corridori | Ceramic maker and Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Corridori and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Honestly it was just such a slow, organic process that I can’t say there was a single point at which I “started” my business. I’ve always created and always been able to make a nice side income doing so. It really kind of morphed over the years into what it is now and has allowed me to learn along the way without feeling like I was jumping off a cliff into the unknown. Building my studio 5 years ago definitely made it feel more real, grown-up and official though!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a ceramicist with a focus on functional pottery. In a world of mass production and industrialized perfection, I get immense satisfaction knowing that the things I make are lovingly used by my customers. I’ve always loved the phrase “beauty in function” and strive really hard to make beautiful things that actually get used. From planters to furniture knobs to trivets and coasters, I really do aim to create beauty in functionality for the things we use every day.

The path to getting to where I am today has definitely not been linear and yet I feel for all the twists and turns and curveballs that life has thrown my way, I’m exactly where I was meant to be. So many past jobs and seemingly random events in my life have informed my journey both creatively and in a business sense. Who knew the screen printing shop I worked at in college or the several years I worked delivering packages for FedEx would someday play a part in my business? And yet here I am, screen printing my designs onto clay and meticulously packing up orders with the knowledge that a “fragile” sticker doesn’t mean a thing on a shipment.

I would say that one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way might seem trite but it really is important: be true to yourself. For all the gloss and unrealistic “reality” we see every day on social media, there is something pretty special about saving a piece of yourself just for you and those close to you. I have no aspirations to be an influencer or find myself/my creations trending because that’s just not me. Customers still manage to find me and, I think, appreciate the human aspect that comes with being the sole person running this little business of mine.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh that’s a tough one! I’m such a homebody; I love to entertain and cook for people close to me so definitely a few evenings on our back deck enjoying a leisurely meal and drinks as the sun sets.

I have an ever-growing appreciation of the small businesses and mom & pop shops that make up the fabric of my community. Even out here in the burbs, there are so many great non-chain restaurants and shops just waiting to be discovered. I love the charm and accessibility of Old Town Littleton; always a go-to for out of town guests.

I’m a sucker for little, tucked away, garden centers, coffee shops & cafes so there are several that would make the list for sure.

I have a special place in my heart for Steamboat Springs and would love to share all the amazing things to see/do up there as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost my family. My mom bought me packages of oven bake clay when I was 12 and the rest is history. I don’t know if it was a happy accident or some sort of maternal intuition but it opened up this amazing pathway in my life. The support of my entire family has always been nothing short of amazing. I’ve never been told to get a “real” job….the support of my parents, siblings and now my husband and kids has been unwavering. I’m so thankful for that.

I’ll also be eternally grateful to Mary Ann Lohman for seeing something in 17 year old me and allowing me to work in her garden and do odd jobs around her house in exchange for her sculpture class. She was such an influence in my life and I miss her dearly.

Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/artcrafthome/?etsrc=sdt

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