My Story.

At the age of twelve, I was captivated by the art of pottery. Witnessing someone skillfully working at a pottery wheel, I was entranced by the blend of motion and creativity. However, the subsequent thirty years unfolded differently: earning a college degree, marrying a career military man, and raising four sons. In the midst of these responsibilities, my creative aspirations were sidelined. By 2000, a profound dissatisfaction with my life choices emerged. I realized it was imperative to teach my sons the importance of pursuing their dreams, rather than conforming to societal ideals of "perfection." As Celine Dion wisely said, "If you follow your dreams, it means you follow your heart, and if you follow your heart, I don't think you can go wrong."

Leaving my marriage, I ventured into Corporate America, apprehensive about what a former housewife could contribute to the professional realm. Yet, within two years, I ranked as the third top saleswoman in my company. Over the next eighteen years, I thrived in two prestigious corporations, achieving goals once deemed unattainable. Despite this outward success, an internal void persisted—a sense of unfulfillment and emptiness. As Brian Tracy aptly noted, "If you wish to achieve worthwhile things in your personal and career life, you must become a worthwhile person in your own self-development."

In 2015, during a sales call in Charlottesville, VA, I stumbled upon a newly established clay studio, City Clay. Standing outside that studio, I felt a resurgence of life. I immersed myself in learning, attending numerous classes, and soon acquired my own wheel and kiln, diving into the craft with fearless enthusiasm. This journey was profoundly influenced by Randy Bill, the founder and owner of City Clay, whose guidance and passion for clay were invaluable. Randy's work, which encompasses both pottery and sculpture, reflects a deep commitment to form, surface, and color. Her approach to alternating between pottery and sculpture serves as a creative palate cleanser, allowing for new inspirations and exciting intersections between the two disciplines. This experience resonated with the sentiment: "Your passion is waiting for your courage to catch up."

In 2019, a severe head injury prompted my resignation from the corporate world. This unforeseen event became a blessing in disguise. Today, I am a full-time potter, sustaining myself through sales from my website and local stores in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each purchase supports my journey to live my dream and refine my craft. Every piece of Muddigs Pottery is crafted with intentions of peace, prosperity, and the encouragement to follow one's dreams. As Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Sue Stone