Meet the Heart of Crisanthemum Studios: Our Team

At Crisanthemum Studios, pottery is more than clay and glaze. It’s about people — the hands that shape, the hearts that guide, and the vision that ties it all together. Last time, we shared why handmade pottery is at the heart of what we do. Now, we’d love to introduce you to the people who keep Crisanthemum Studios growing every day.

This month, meet three of us: myself (Cris), Krystle, and Penny.

Krystle, Cris & Penny

Cris – Founder and Potter

Crisanthemum Studios began as a dream in my basement with just a wheel, clay, and a deep love for handmade art. Over the years, that dream has grown into a storefront and community space in downtown Pilot Mountain, where art and connection meet.

My role is to keep creating — the mugs, bowls, ornaments, and Pen Friends that carry a piece of my heart into your homes. But more than that, I wanted this studio to be a safe place for people to gather, learn, and express themselves through art.

Every day, I feel honored to do this work and grateful for the team that helps bring the vision to life.

Krystle – Business Manager

If I’m the creative heart of Crisanthemum Studios, then Krystle is the steady rhythm that keeps us moving forward. As Business Manager, she makes sure the day-to-day operations stay on track. From scheduling events and classes to managing finances and big-picture planning, Krystle ensures the studio runs smoothly so I can focus on creating.

She’s also the one keeping us accountable to our goals — asking the tough questions, celebrating the wins, and helping us stay aligned with our vision of building a sustainable, thriving creative space.

Penny – Business Support Manager

If you’ve ever admired our website, browsed our products on Etsy or Faire, or been drawn in by a photo of one of our pieces — you’ve already seen Penny’s touch. As our Business Support Manager, Penny takes Crisanthemum Studios beyond our four walls.

She maintains our website, manages our online platforms, and photographs our work so it shines online as beautifully as it does in person. She’s the one making sure our pottery, events, and products stay visible and accessible, whether you’re down the street in Pilot Mountain or shopping from afar.

Penny blends technical know-how with an eye for design, keeping us connected to the world beyond the studio while honoring the handmade spirit of everything we do.

Closing

These three roles — the potter, the manager, and the support behind the scenes — make up the foundation of Crisanthemum Studios. Together, we’re creating a place where handmade meets community, and where creativity blossoms year-round.

Next time, we’ll introduce you to more of our incredible team — Magon, Suzanne, Gretchen, and Nate. And every other week, we’ll be sharing more stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections from life in the studio.

 Visit us Wednesdays–Saturdays, 10am–6pm, in downtown Pilot Mountain. We’d love to see you!