Meet Jerica: Apprentice Potter & Maker Behind the Scenes

At Crisanthemum Studios, every piece you see on a shelf or in someone’s hands carries the care of many hands—some you see, some you might not. Over time, I’ve come to lean into a vision where learning, growth, and shared creativity are just as meaningful as the finished pottery.

This month, I’m excited to introduce you to Jerica, my apprentice potter — someone who’s quietly growing with me in the studio, making things behind the scenes that bring color, charm, and meaning to your experience.

The Making Behind the Scenes

Jerica’s role isn’t in greeting customers or running the storefront — it’s in the heart of creation. She works with me on hand-building ornament pieces, crafting gift tags, shaping Pen Friends, and assisting with pieces like teaspoon rests and deviled egg plates. Her touch is in the details you might not always notice, but ones you feel.

For example, the teaspoon rests — one of Magon’s favorites — are pieces where Jerica often helps in the forming process. The little gift tags you see tied on packages and the ornaments you gift at the holidays often come from her hands and imagination.

Watching her learn, make mistakes, and grow has been one of the great privileges of the studio. She’s not yet out in front — she’s learning, refining, and bringing her own creative energy to every piece.

Personality, Heart & Quirks

While Jerica may not always be front and center, her presence is deeply felt. She brings a quiet creativity, curious spirit, and steady commitment. She’s someone who blossoms best when given room to learn and space to try new things — and she has.

One fun fact: Jerica’s son absolutely adores the book The Wonky Donkey, and it’s become a playful part of our studio language. Between us, we sometimes call things “Cranky Wanky Wonky Donkey” when something’s a little off or goofy — a shared code that brings laughter and warmth to the process. That detail is part of what makes her who she is in this space: someone bringing laughter, authenticity, and heart even while she’s quietly learning.

When I asked Jerica to describe Crisanthemum Studios in one word, she chose mission — showing how deeply she feels the purpose of what we’re building together.

Growth, Learning & Connection

Jerica’s journey is a reminder that the “behind the scenes” work matters. Not every role needs to be visible to be powerful. Her daily growth, her hands learning clay and glaze, her steady presence — all of it shapes the experience you have when you walk into this studio or hold a piece you bought.

She’s part of what allows me to create — because while I focus on vision, teaching, and front-end work, she helps me carry the load, learn new techniques, and continue expanding possibility.

From Jerica to You

The next time you hold a Pen Friend, use a teaspoon rest, or admire a handmade ornament, know Jerica played a role in its creation. Her learning, her care, her heart are part of that piece.

If you visit the studio, I’ll be proud to introduce you to her — though she may still be working quietly in the back, adding value in every curve, every tag, every glaze stroke.

Come meet Jerica (behind the scenes or in person!), and experience how creativity grows best when nurtured and shared.

Visit us Wednesdays–Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. in downtown Pilot Mountain. Watch the hands behind the art.