With my education as a graphic designer, it often feels almost unavoidable not to end up doing freelance assignments and projects, and you more or less begin your working life after design school as a sole trader. My own working life is a big patchwork, where ceramics has not previously been at the center. Ceramics began as a break from everyday life and became my everyday life. I do not think I am at a point where I dare to call it a business, but I am on my way and building, albeit somewhat slowly, because that is probably just how I am, slow when it comes to my own things.

Freedom with responsibility, with a touch of freedom under stress. It is amazing that I have the space to create and shape. How privileged is it to use my mind, my body, and my creativity to make objects that people want to use and that become part of their lives. That exchange is very rewarding.

When people want to buy my products, especially when they come back. The small steps toward a business that can sustain itself.

No, actually not. I do not think I can explain it that squarely. It is a driving force that goes beyond my rationale, because I simply cannot stop working with ceramics. It is dirty, it is physically demanding, it is complicated, and the process is slow and difficult, and it is not very profitable in the end. But I still cannot stop.

The best people around me, who believe in me more than I believe in myself. And good coffee and packed lunches for the days in the workshop.

Through my wonderful friends and acquaintances with other women entrepreneurs. It is such an incredible knowledge bank. There is a mix of vulnerability, practicalities, and a desire to lift each other. Like now, where Caroline, with her impressive company SÆTTER, brings her slow ceramicist along as part of her International Women's Day celebration.