Meet Anita the face behind Ana Ceramica

This week we’re chatting with Anita, the maker behind Ana Ceramica on the Sunshine Coast. What began as a pottery course gifted by her children soon grew into a beautiful collection of handcrafted ceramics, each piece thoughtfully made to bring beauty and simplicity to everyday life.

Tell me about your business. What do you create and what inspired you to start?

I’m Anita, the maker behind Ana Ceramica on the Sunshine Coast.

I make small batches of functional ceramics, using a mix of wheel throwing and handbuilding. Most of what I create is made to be used every day – mugs, bowls, platters and serving pieces that I hope become part of people’s homes for years to come.

It all started when my children gifted me a pottery course. I was looking for a creative outlet at the time and had no idea it would become such a big part of my life. One class was all it took.

Was there a moment when you realised this could become a business?

Not really.

I simply started sharing my work online to see what would happen. I never expected people I’d never met to buy something I’d made, so every order felt like a lovely surprise. It still does.

What do you love most about the creative process?

I love that it makes me slow down.

When I’m in the studio, everything else disappears for a while. I stop thinking about emails and to do lists and just focus on what’s in front of me. That’s a pretty special feeling.

When you get a new idea, what is your step-by-step process from idea to finished product?

I don’t really have one.

Ideas usually come from everyday life – travelling, cooking, a walk on the beach or even something as simple as the shape of a shell or a shadow.

Once an idea sticks, I head into the studio and start making. I don’t sketch much. I like to see where the clay takes me, and quite often one piece naturally grows into a whole collection.

What do you want people to feel or experience when they use your products?

I hope they become part of everyday life.

The nicest messages I receive are from people telling me a mug has become their favourite, or that a platter comes out whenever family gets together. That’s exactly why I make functional ceramics.

What have been some of the biggest challenges in running your business?

Definitely finding enough hours in the day.

Pottery isn’t my full time job, so every piece is made around work and family life. Running a one person business also means I’m the maker, photographer, marketer, packer, customer service team… everything, really.

And then there’s clay. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it has a way of reminding you who’s in charge.

What does a good creative day look like for you?

Music on, clay on my hands and no need to watch the clock.

Those are the days I look up and realise the afternoon has disappeared.

Is there something new you’d love to create in the future?

Always.

I’d love to keep exploring porcelain and larger serving pieces, but more than anything I just want to keep learning. I never really know where an idea will end up, and I think that’s one of the things I enjoy most about making.

Thankyou so much for your time Anita. If your interested in learning more about her small business, please check out her website. Please follow Anita’s Instagram and Facebook for her updates.