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

Hi Fatima, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
LISTS!! So many lists. I have been a huge fan of lists, and I make lists of my lists. It’s the only way I can stay organized and stay sane. Also I feel making a list really calms the mind and helps me refocus on the things that are most important. I will make a general list, and then make a list of things in order of priority. The best part is crossing the completed items out!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My goal is to create objects focused around simplicity, and practicality with a sense of delicate-ness that typical ceramic ware does not always have. There were a ton of challenges along the way while starting my business, but my best piece of advice would be to take it one bit at a time – and you will be able to handle it, even if it seems overwhelming at first. I only got to where I am today with the help and encouragement of wonderful friends and family that told me that my work was worth the investment. When you start a new business or have an idea, and you share with others, often times everyone has their own opinion on how you should do it. I am proud of myself for sticking to a style that resonated with me and my style. I love straight lines and minimalistic art styles and I try to find inspiration in geometric shapes and things that are just simple and practical while still looking chic. I truly love and appreciate others who have lots of designs and intricate carvings on their ceramic artwork, and I love to support them!

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I love love love to eat! Part of the reason why I got into ceramics was to create objects to hold food. I would definitely be taking my friends to eat at: BlueStar donuts to have the passionfruit chili donut, Sidecar donuts, Snooze AM Eatery for breakfast, and one of my absolute favorites- La Chouquette for the best French baked goods in all of LA. For lunches and dinners we would be dining at Mini Kabob and The Morrison for burgers, Otium for some awesome family style meals, Tacos Tu Madre, and of course some street tacos for late night snacks. Some of the best places to visit in LA would be Griffith Observatory, for the views of course! I absolutely love El Matador beach in the Malibu area, it has some beautiful rock formations and a nice little walk down to the beach. I also adore Victoria Beach in the OC area. I would also take my visitors to Abbot Kinney Boulevard to walk around and check out the local restaurants and shops!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to Shoutout a few people – firstly my husband (@madmedicine) of course for encouraging me to continue creating ceramic pieces even when I doubted myself. Also, I have to Shoutout NOORNOIR (@noornoir) – who literally encouraged me to start my business even though she didn’t know me. Another awesome food photographer who was present at the time and also encouraged me was Leena (@hijabsandaprons). Leena has wonderful recipes and amazing videos!

Website: fatimasclay.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fatimasclay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ffatimasclay
Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/fatimasclay Email: fatimasclay@gmail.com

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