Meet Mellisa Essenburg | Ceramic Artist & Speech-Language Pathologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mellisa Essenburg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mellisa, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
It wasn’t too complicated initially. I had taken some jewelry making classes as a hobby and started having people ask if I could make them things. It naturally evolved into an Etsy shop, then a website. I stumbled across some lovely ceramic pendants at a bead and gem show and was immediately drawn to them. After some searching I discovered a small online community of ceramic bead and pendant artists who were incredibly generous with information which allowed me to jump into making beads and pendants for my jewelry designs. As I incorporated more of those components in my own jewelry to sell, I began to receive inquiries from other jewelry artists asking if I also sold the ceramic components. I began creating jewelry projects for a variety of jewelry and beading magazines and branched out to selling ceramic components. Finally after years of having just a small kiln for beads and pendants, I decided to branch out again and take some pottery classes to learn how to throw on the wheel. Once again I shifted my business and now focus primarily on functional ceramics such as mugs and trays.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love to make functional pieces of art that not only are beautiful to look at but comfortable to use. Have you ever bought a mug that looks fantastic but every time you use it you have trouble gripping the handle or the lip is a little too thick or thin? These are features I scrutinize in every piece I make…should the mug have a handle that allows for one finger, two, or the whole hand to hold? Should the platter have texture across the whole surface or just a portion? What glaze color is going to compliment the form and also react well with the clay I have chosen? All these little decisions play a huge role in the finished product.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy as there are many variables to learn when dealing with ceramics. Not only is there the initial expense of equipment such as a kiln, pottery wheel, and glazes, but many people dive into pottery as a hobby without realizing the significant health and safety risks that are present if you do not deal with the materials correctly. I made sure to take the time to research all of these factors before setting up my home studio.

My biggest challenge is finding time to create as I am also a full time Speech-Language Pathologist. Pottery is not a forgiving or instant gratification type of process and timing things like level of dryness in order to move on to the next step can be challenging with a busy schedule.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
San Diego has so much to offer! I think taking in a concert at Humphrey’s by the Bay would be a great start. I have seen many performers there over the years and have never left disappointed. Hitting some of the local Farmer’s Markets is a great opportunity for people watching and finding some unique food and gifts. Hiking North Fortuna in Mission Trails or Torrey Pines always gives a nice nature reset. Obviously a visit to San Diego isn’t complete without the beach, I have to say that nothing beats Coronado for a walk on the sand or boardwalk with beautiful architecture all around and if I’m in Coronado I always stop at Moo Time for some ice cream! Although there’s no shortage of exceptional Mexican food here obviously, I think that Lucha Libre Taco Shop is the most entertaining and unique option for ambience. It’s even better if you plan ahead and reserve the “champion’s table”. For something a little fancier, The 3rd Corner in Ocean Beach is not only a great little wine shop but has amazing risotto. If the timing is right, Summer’s Past lavender farm hosts craft fairs and other events in a gorgeous setting.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Beads of Clay group really got me started in the world of ceramics but much of my ability to throw on the pottery wheel is due to an extremely talented and generous potter, Tim See.

Website: www.chinookceramics.com

Instagram: @chinookceramics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChinookDesigns