Ceramics Inspired By Mother Earth

Alyssa Julian is a Los Angeles-based ceramicist and brand builder who we have had the pleasure of meeting in the modern-day way, via Instagram. We are super grateful and stoked that she reached out. She is beyond talented and has such wonderful and vibrant energy, we cannot wait to spend all weekend with her at the first (Eco) Friendly Market.

Photograph by: Marielle Chua

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand so we can get to know you better?

Hi! My name is Alyssa Julian, and I am a ceramicist working out of my home studio in Silver Lake. I love dogs, traveling, a good glass of wine, sunsets in the winter, and supporting small, womxn run businesses. My brand officially started about 2 years ago, though I've been making ceramics for five or so years now.

What’s the inspiration behind your ceramics, and what aspirations do you have for your company moving forward?

I am most inspired by time spent in nature, the California landscape, and colors I see on my travels. Basically, I love to be out on the road! I hope to continue to connect with new customers and friends in a face to face setting through events, as well as build out a more robust stockist list.

Do you practice a sustainable/low impact/zero-waste lifestyle? If so, how do you practice it and what are your motivators?
Yes! I try to, anyway. Never ever takeaway cups, I bring collapsible silicone containers for leftovers from restaurants, and bring my own bulk/produce bags to both the grocery store and farmers market! I'd like my younger family members to be able to grow up with the same biodiversity as I have done — animals and nature are huge passions of mine and have been throughout my life, and the effects of climate change have been so detrimental to wildlife and the landscape! Zero waste is a huge aspiration of mine— I'm not there yet but I'm not ruling out the possibility!

What’s one small change humans can do to show a little love Mother Earth that they may not realize?
Oh man, there are so many! I'd say walking more, picking up trash when you see it (especially large pieces like plastic shopping bags), and doing food shopping more often (and locally) to reduce food waste :-)

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? What’s the greatest piece of encouragement?

Best piece of advice I've ever received is to just be yourself and let the right people come to you — it's amazing who will come into your life when you're doing what you know best! I think it falls under advice and encouragement: trust in your gut, (work your a*s off), and it'll fall into place!

What are you excited about? Is there anything fun coming up for you?
Excited about so many things! The holidays (even the frenzy of it), connecting with people at events like The (Eco)Friendly Market ;–), the change in weather, making new work inspired by a recent trip to France, and more! I have some fun events planned for this holiday season that I can't wait for!