Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle Hawkins.
Hi Danielle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In April, 2014 my husband had a brain aneurysm caused by a genetic Arteriovenous Malformation. He had recently graduated from Michigan State University and I was working at a dealership in a career I had had for decades.
That day changed the trajectory of our lives
My husband was in the hospital for over 6 months and needed an advocate because of the brain trauma. I stayed with him through the hospital, rehab and then home where rehabilitation continued. It still continues to this day.
Needless to say, I had to figure out an income and a way to stay home with him since he could not and still can not be left alone.
I had been taking pottery classes for some time but never thought of it as something I could profit from. In fact I knew I wasn’t skilled enough anyway.
But I had received a free pottery wheel and I had the time, so I started working everyday to improve.
Now almost 11 years after the aneurysm, I have created a career from making pottery for individuals, breweries, distilleries and many stores. We even use pottery as therapy for my husband.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Struggles would include,
Improving skills by creating every single day and continuing classes at the Flint Institute of Arts
Initial investment to expand studio and purchase all necessary tools.
“imposter syndrome!!”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I create functional and decorative pottery.
I am probably most known for my Michigan Mugs and how I glaze my pottery.
Also, for the monthly workshops I give throughout the fall and winter.
What sets me apart from others would be the designs I add to the Michigan Mugs and my glazes.
I am proud to have created a business from passion and necessity that still allows me to be a full-time caregiver for my husband.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danijohawkinspottery.com
- Instagram: @danijohawkinspottery
- Facebook: danijohawkins
