We had the good fortune of connecting with Charlotte Shenassa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Charlotte, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Sadly, after my mom passed away from Colon Cancer, I was riddled with grief. I knew I had to do something with my sadness instead of wallowing in it everyday, I needed to find a healthy outlet. That is when I began creating with my hands, pouring my grief into new life. Lolo’s Handicrafts was then born, a heartfelt tribute to my beloved mother, Fransiska.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love to experiment with ceramics. I am not afraid to try something extreme when glazing my pieces or creating a unique form. I think what sets my ceramics apart from so many pieces you see today are the vibrant colors. I want my work to be playful and fun, to bring an air of lightness and joy. Ceramics to me does not have to be this perfect smooth shape with a crisp clean glaze. I love having organic shapes where you can see my finger prints, and wacky glaze combinations of multiple different colors, stepping outside of the norm of what we know ceramics to be.

Along the way of experimenting I have had some failures, but with those failures I am able to learn and grow. Even though I started working with clay when I was in high school, I am still to this day learning about it. Ceramics is a process that will forever be changing and with that I get to learn new techniques and innovative my work further.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would not be where I am without my mother. For always believing in me and my art, pushing me forward in become the artist I am today. I owe it all to her, for all her sacrifices she made in her life for mine. Every day when I create I do it with my mother in mind always hoping she’s proud of what I’m accomplishing.

I also need to thank my sister Chloe, her husband Rory and my boyfriend Dan. For without their love and support I would not be able to do what I do. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loloshandicrafts/

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