Our Stick Of The Week! is Susan Shapiro. Susan is in the NOW as Founder and Chief Ceramic Officer of Susabella, a company specializing in personalized, handmade ceramic items for weddings, baby and home. Every piece is handcrafted, stamped and glazed so no two items are the same. Most items come with a beautiful gift box ready to give or keep for yourself.
Susan Shapiro
Susan Shapiro lives in Kirkland, WA with her husband Mark, their almost four year old son, Ben and their sweet old dog, Pepper.
Tell us about your NOW (Noodle On the Wall).
Susabella specializes in personalized, handmade ceramic gifts and accessories. I named my business Susabella because it was the childhood nickname my Grandmother gave me. She was such a hard worker, loved beautiful things in life and had special keepsakes around her home. She helped inspire my business because my items are heirloom pieces that I hope my customers will enjoy for years to come and even pass on to the next generation. Although my business has grown from myself to 5 employees, we all treat each piece with the same love and care as if we were giving it to own friends or family.
Susabella specializes in personalized, handmade ceramic gifts and accessories. I named my business Susabella because it was the childhood nickname my Grandmother gave me. She was such a hard worker, loved beautiful things in life and had special keepsakes around her home. She helped inspire my business because my items are heirloom pieces that I hope my customers will enjoy for years to come and even pass on to the next generation. Although my business has grown from myself to 5 employees, we all treat each piece with the same love and care as if we were giving it to own friends or family.
Is your NOW simmering, al dente or fully cooked and why?
My now is always simmering. I'm constantly working on new product ideas and learning more about my business everyday. I don't think I'll ever be fully cooked!
My now is always simmering. I'm constantly working on new product ideas and learning more about my business everyday. I don't think I'll ever be fully cooked!
What recipes can you give other Creative Moms Taking On The Creative?
If you have a creative business idea, don't be afraid to give it a try. It's also important to know that owning a business is a learning process and to take it one day at a time, especially when it can feel overwhelming. Everyone makes mistakes along the way, but you'll learn from them too. My best piece of advice is to never give up. If one idea really won't work then try a different approach or business model.
If you have a creative business idea, don't be afraid to give it a try. It's also important to know that owning a business is a learning process and to take it one day at a time, especially when it can feel overwhelming. Everyone makes mistakes along the way, but you'll learn from them too. My best piece of advice is to never give up. If one idea really won't work then try a different approach or business model.
What motivated you to throw your noodle?
I went to college at Savannah College of Art and Design and owned a graphic and web-design business for years, which I closed shortly after my son was born. When I began to miss having a creative outlet, my mother-in-law encouraged me to take a pottery class. I have always loved art and being an entrepreneur, so this business was a great way to combine both interests.
I went to college at Savannah College of Art and Design and owned a graphic and web-design business for years, which I closed shortly after my son was born. When I began to miss having a creative outlet, my mother-in-law encouraged me to take a pottery class. I have always loved art and being an entrepreneur, so this business was a great way to combine both interests.
What inspires you as a Mom and as a creative person?
I love simple, modern clean lines and items that look timeless. Although many of my items are white I am also inspired by color, red it my favorite and I have it all over my office.
I love simple, modern clean lines and items that look timeless. Although many of my items are white I am also inspired by color, red it my favorite and I have it all over my office.
How do you juggle Mamahood and your NOW?
I just recently moved my business out of our garage and into an office/warehouse space. That transition has been amazing. It was really hard to juggle being a mom and wife when our entire house was filled with products and shipping materials from my business. Having a real work/life separation has been the best thing I have done for my business and my husband is really happy to park in the garage again too. :)
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
My ultimate pasta dish are my platters and personalized beverage tubs. I think they are so popular because the are unique, personalized but also very practical too. Both items can be used for years to come.
I just recently moved my business out of our garage and into an office/warehouse space. That transition has been amazing. It was really hard to juggle being a mom and wife when our entire house was filled with products and shipping materials from my business. Having a real work/life separation has been the best thing I have done for my business and my husband is really happy to park in the garage again too. :)
What is your ultimate pasta dish?
My ultimate pasta dish are my platters and personalized beverage tubs. I think they are so popular because the are unique, personalized but also very practical too. Both items can be used for years to come.
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