From Chef to Ceramicist: My story so far....
From Kitchens to Clay
For over 20 years, I worked in high-level restaurants—fast-paced, demanding, and full of fire. I loved the creative challenge and precision, but somewhere deep down, I started craving something else. Something slower. More mindful. More… mine.
I’d always been drawn to handmade ceramics. As a chef, I saw how the right plate could elevate a dish. But I could never find the perfect one, and I often caught myself thinking, “If only I could make my own.” I didn’t know it then, but that thought would one day lead me down the path of starting a pottery business.
“Cooking taught me precision. Pottery taught me patience.”
A Spark from a Stove
In 2021, we were hunting for a new wood burner and found one on Marktplaats. When I went to pick it up, the seller’s house was full of handmade pottery—beautiful pieces sitting quietly on shelves and tabletops. Curious, I asked him about it. He turned out to be a hobby potter and kindly showed me his studio, a simple but magical space tucked away in the back of the house. As he walked me through it, something in me shifted. The smell of clay, the tools on the shelves, the wheel in the corner—it all felt oddly familiar, even though I’d never touched clay in my life. I couldn’t stop thinking about it after I left. That short visit ended up planting the seed for everything that followed—and unknowingly sparked my journey toward starting a pottery business.
Lessons That Changed Everything
After a few months, I texted him to ask if he would teach me. Lucky for me, he said yes, and that small message ended up changing everything. Every week, I made the hour-long round trip for two-hour lessons, carving out space for something that felt deeply right. I kept this up for almost a year. Even before I had a wheel at home, I was already experimenting with clay—mostly handbuilding. I fell in love with the coiling technique and even made a few large vases I was actually quite proud of. Looking back, these early pieces gave me the first spark of confidence that maybe starting a pottery business wasn’t such a crazy idea after all—even though my teacher kept telling me I would never be able to make money from pottery.
From Kitchen Table to Studio
After a few months, I texted him to ask if he would teach me. Lucky for me, he said yes, and that small message ended up changing everything. Every week, I made the hour-long round trip for two-hour lessons, carving out space for something that felt deeply right. I kept this up for almost a year. Even before I had a wheel at home, I was already experimenting with clay—mostly handbuilding. I fell in love with the coiling technique and even made a few large vases I was actually quite proud of. Looking back, these early pieces gave me the first spark of confidence that maybe starting a pottery business wasn’t such a crazy idea after all—even though my teacher kept telling me, quite seriously, that I would never be able to make money from pottery. He meant well, but it only made me more curious—what if I could prove otherwise? What if starting a pottery business was possible, even if it looked different from what others imagined?
What Keeps Me Centered
This journey with clay has given me more than just a craft—it’s given me a life I never imagined. A slower, more connected life. One where I get to be home with amy family, present with my kids, and build something meaningful with my hands.
The more I learn, the more I realise how much there still is to discover. I feel like I’m only at the beginning. There’s so much more to explore—not just with techniques and forms, but with how this work continues to shape our day-to-day life.
Pottery has brought me a quiet kind of happiness. It’s not just the wheel that keeps me grounded—it’s this whole world we’re creating around it. And that’s what keeps me centered.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso
Thinking About Giving It a Try?
If you're dreaming of starting a pottery business—or even if you just want to make pottery for yourself—just begin. Don’t wait until you feel ready. Use what you have, learn as you go, and embrace the wobble.
And if making isn’t your thing, that’s where I come in. Each IKKAI piece is shaped by hand and heart—made slowly and with intention. It's part of a handmade ceramics business that’s still growing with every kiln load.
From Hobby to Business
If you're thinking about starting a pottery business—or just wondering how to turn your love of clay into something more—I’ve poured everything I’ve learned into a warm, down-to-earth eBook called From Hobby to Business.
It’s full of real-life stories, tips that actually helped me, and things I wish I had known earlier. From figuring out how to fire my first batch at home, to juggling parenthood, clay, and late-night Shopify tutorials—it's all in there.
I wrote it for fellow potters who are ready to take that next step, in their own way and at their own pace.
A Few Things That Helped Me Get Started
Here are a few things that made a big difference when I was just beginning to build my pottery business:
Second-hand everything: I got my wheel, kiln, and tools from online marketplaces. It kept the costs low and made it possible to get started quickly.
Private lessons: Weekly one-on-one lessons gave me a solid foundation and helped me move faster than I would have on my own.
Learning online: We did tons of online courses, watched YouTube videos, and read everything we could get our hands on.
Keeping it small and simple: We didn’t overthink it—we just said, “Let’s try,” and adjusted along the way.
Working around family life: I made this work fit into our rhythm, not the other way around.
Questions I Get All the Time
How did you know it was the right time to start a pottery business?
I didn’t have a clear plan, to be honest. I just followed a feeling—and so did my wife. One day, we both looked at each other and said, “Let’s just try selling some pieces and see where it goes.” That simple moment of agreement started everything. We never imagined it would grow the way it has, but it happened naturally, step by step, and it felt right.
How do you balance pottery with family life?
With love, patience, and flexibility. I work from home, so my studio is woven into our daily life. I tend to work a lot, but I plan my days around the kids—when they’re at school or asleep in the evenings. Some days I get in 12 solid hours of work; other days it’s more like 2 or 3, and that’s okay. I take breaks throughout the day when I need to, and I’ve learned to flow with whatever time I have. Some moments are quiet and focused; others are chaotic and full of interruptions—but it’s ours, and it works.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to start a handmade ceramics business?
Start small. Keep learning. Don’t wait until everything’s perfect. The wobble, the mess, the slow progress—it’s all part of the beauty. And don’t be afraid to ask for help or connect with others in the community.
How did you learn to market your pottery?
Mostly by doing. I didn’t have any background in marketing, so I started figuring it out bit by bit. My wife and I signed up for several online courses, watched countless tutorials, and tested things out—especially on Instagram. We paid close attention to what felt authentic and what connected with people. It wasn’t always smooth, but over time I found my own voice and approach. I’ve gathered everything I learned into my eBook From Hobby to Business—you can check it out here if you’re curious or want to start your own journey with a bit more guidance.
Do you do wholesale?
No, I don’t. I’ve honestly never needed to—my pieces tend to sell well directly through my own shop. I love the personal connection with customers, and keeping things small-batch and intentional has always felt right for me
Let’s Stay Connected
Thanks for being here. I’ll keep sharing what’s happening in the studio, give you a peek into the process, and if you subscribe, you’ll get early access to shop updates before anyone else.
I update the shop approximately every two months, and subscribers always get first access.
Abel Pepping
I’m Abel, the potter behind IKKAI Ceramics. After over 20 years as a chef, I found clay—and never looked back. What began as a quiet curiosity turned into a full-time pottery business. From a cozy studio in Beverwijk, I now make small-batch ceramics inspired by Japanese design, nature, and daily rituals. I share my work at markets and online.
