Q&A with Katie, Founder of Side Car Ceramics

Q&A with Katie, Founder of Side Car Ceramics

Posted by Jessie Jacobson on Oct 5th 2022

October 6, 2022

Q&A with Katie, Founder of Side Car Ceramics

This week at Tonkadale we debuted our first shipment of local pottery from Side Car Ceramics. All of the pots were made to order, and they are stunning. We chose 6 glaze styles, two sizes in each. The smaller size is suitable for a 4” plant and the larger, for a 6” plant. The detail and care that was put into these pots is top notch. We love the playful, bright glazes and the seamless design.

This week our blog is dedicated to learning more about Katie, the fabulous woman behind Side Car Ceramics.

Jessie: Tell us a little about yourself. Are you from Minneapolis? How did you get started in ceramics?

Katie: I’m originally from rural Wisconsin. I lived on a family dairy farm until I was twelve, then spent my teen years in Alexandria, MN before moving to Minneapolis to attend college in 2010. I’ve lived here ever since.

I took my first ceramics class in high school and was pretty lousy at it. Then while getting my BFA, I tried my hand at ceramics again. My professor, Kirk Freeman, a working potter himself and excellent teacher, showed me the limitless possibilities of clay. I felt the world of art and function collide. Needless to say, I was hooked.

Jessie: Are you a plant parent. If yes, what is your favorite plant?

Katie: I am a proud plant parent of 33 plants and counting. They bring so much joy to my life. Especially with the colder winter months approaching, these green beauties keep my spirits up! My favorite would have to be my golden pothos simply for its impressive propagating abilities.

Jessie: How long have you been in business?

Katie: I took the leap to full time potter just a year and a half ago. At that time, I said goodbye to my full time job at Continental Clay and I’ve been making pots for what feels like nonstop ever since.

Jessie: Greatest victories as a small business owner? What about the hard stuff?

Katie: I participated in Art-A-Whirl, this spring for the first time since my Senior Show in 2014. It was such an amazing turn-out with several folks saying they specifically came to find my studio in the Q.arma Building. It was the first time I felt a real sense of community support and knew that I should continue with this endeavor. Though having support makes it possible, the sense of purpose is what makes me commit to this career path. It’s kinda like finding the job version of your soulmate if that makes any sense.

My standout moments so far have been:

  • “I Like You” carrying my pots starting last fall
  • Moving from the studio in my basement to the Q.arma Building in NE
  • And finally, my first large wholesale order here at Tonkadale

Every potter can relate to the typical setbacks:

  • Not having enough space to work
  • Breaking into a self-guided career
  • Customers thinking your prices are too high
  • General product testing and physically demanding tasks

On top of that, my greatest hurdle has been momentum and confidence with little certainty of my livelihood.

Grief has informed much of my journey. I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer the fall of 2013. She was an amazing supporter of me, my art education, and always cheered me on through each step. Losing her was my greatest set back. With my foundation gone, it was difficult for me to believe I had what it took to build a business from the ground up. In 2017, I lost my best friend and husband, Joey. This made me question my next steps. This loss lit a fire. I know Joey would be prouder of me than anyone, seeing me finally go for it. I bought the first pottery wheel I could call my very own in 2018.

Jessie: What inspires you?

Katie: I find so many things inspiring, anything from crop fields, patterns in natures, and textures, to high fashion and architecture. I find myself mesmerized by the colors and shapes in vintage barware and retro wallpaper designs. My current collection is primarily inspired by those colors and patterns. As a potter, returning to the earth tones is my first instinct. I’ve been floundering in that sea of colors for years. Neutrals feel safe and familiar, but these cheerful, encouraging colors are exactly what feel like me, right now.

Jessie: What is next for Sidecar ceramics?

Katie: More holiday sales and pop-up markets. New styles and colors are always in the works!

Long term, I’m working on a collection of larger pieces and manifesting a gallery show for 2023.

Jessie: Anything else we should know about you?

Katie: Starting this business showed me the best way to take on this world. If you find something good, utilize the f*ck out of that (you’re not allowed to harm others!). I found pottery. It’s my bread and butter, it’s my air, water, and light. It gives me purpose, excitement, curiosity, and strength. Come at me, world. I’m here and I’ll be making pots as long as I’m able

Jessie: Where does the name Side Car come from?

Katie: Great question, a lot of people ask that! At first, I really struggled with naming or branding my work. I initially operated under the name “Handwork and Home.” But I really disliked the name as it felt inauthentic and generic. So when I moved my studio, I changed names.

Firstly, I like the alliteration. Sidecar Ceramics. Secondly, I like the visual image that comes to mind. Motorcycle or cocktail, with both I’m down! Finally and most importantly, Sidecar is a vehicle likely going somewhere pretty awesome and there’s room for an extra passenger. I like to imagine it’s for the people I meet along my journey. That I’m never really going it alone.

Thank you, Katie, for your honesty. Keep doing you. We are here for it!