OUR HISTORY, OUR STAFF

How the idea of a Pottery Studio 1 was born

by Tasha S. Creator of the Idea

I grew up in a house where the smell of clay and kiln smoke was as normal as the sound of music playing from the kitchen. My mom, Elena S., was a potter in Berkeley, California — the kind of person who made bowls that felt like hugs and mugs that warmed more than just your hands.

Her studio was in our garage. It wasn’t fancy — just shelves packed with drying pots, bags of clay stacked in the corner, and her old wheel humming under the window — but to me, it was magic. After school, neighborhood kids like Madison, Tyler, and Olivia would wander in ready to squish some clay.

They were my best friends. We grew up elbow-deep in slip and laughter, making lopsided cups and wild little sculptures we thought were masterpieces. The garage became our clubhouse, our art room, our safe place to just be ourselves.

My mom welcomed all of us like we were real artists. No pressure, no rules — just messy hands, big imaginations, and the joy of creating something from nothing.

Watching her teach, I saw how clay brought people together. It wasn’t about making something perfect — it was about slowing down, getting your hands dirty, and discovering what you could do. Years later, living in New York and working in design, I realized most people still thought of pottery as something exclusive — for artists, or for people with lots of free time.

That felt wrong. I wanted to build a studio that felt just like my mom’s: warm, welcoming, and open to anyone who wanted to try.

That’s how the idea for Pottery Studio 1 was born. I called it “Studio 1” because it’s for first-timers — for people who are curious, nervous, or just need a creative escape. The same kind of space I had growing up. The same kind of spark that changed my life. Today, studios have grown into a small, beautiful network across several cities — but at the center of it all is still her spirit. I like to think she’d be proud — and probably remind me not to leave glaze buckets open overnight.

Clay has always been in my family. Now, it’s in yours too.

Our core team

Chloe Ramirez – Studio Instructor

Chloe studied ceramics and sculpture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). With her calm energy and deep love for textures, she helps students not just “make a mug,” but truly feel the clay. Her favorite part of class? “That moment when someone lifts their first bowl off the wheel and realizes, ‘I made this.’”

Natalie Green – Studio Administrator

Natalie is the heartbeat of the front desk. She’s the one who greets you with a smile, remembers your name (and probably your favorite glaze), and somehow keeps the entire schedule running like clockwork. With a background in creative event planning and a deep love for organized chaos, she bridges the world between art and order. She believes pottery isn’t just about clay — it’s about the people who walk through the door.
“My job is to make everyone feel like they belong here, even before they touch the clay.”

Marcus Bell – Class Facilitator & Creative Coach

Before joining the studio, Marcus worked as a child psychologist. He’s endlessly patient and great at helping people who are nervous or shy around clay. He believes creativity is healing, and his classes often feel like a mini-retreat. His favorite tool? “The sponge — gentle, essential, and always underestimated.”

Darren Mitchell – Equipment & Supply Manager

Darren used to work in industrial design, but after taking one hand-building class “just for fun,” he was hooked. Now, he’s the person who makes sure every wheel spins, every kiln fires, and every shipment of clay arrives on time.
Obsessed with glazes and tools, he’s often found tinkering with custom tools or testing out new materials for the team.

“When the studio runs well, creativity flows. That’s the goal.”

Ekaterina Voss – Glazing Specialist & Community Host

Jenna is completely self-taught — she learned ceramics watching YouTube videos during a difficult time in her life. Now, she's the warm, laughing heart of the studio, helping guests with glazing and decoration. Her motto: “Perfection is boring. I’ll take personality in a piece any day.”

Anna Whitaker – Lead Artist

Anna is the studio’s go-to for creative ideas. She designs the hand-building projects everyone falls in love with — from whimsical mugs to sculptural candle holders.

Her classes are relaxed, fun, and full of little “aha” moments. Whether you're new or experienced, Anna knows how to spark your imagination.

She has a background in fine arts but prefers the title “maker of beautiful messes.”