Meet Juleyka Andino Rivera | Creator of Pot of Jules

We had the good fortune of connecting with Juleyka Andino Rivera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Juleyka, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was truly desire driven. I had no desire in starting a “business” but I did have a desire to keep painting pots for plants. During the pandemic I got really into plants and decided to paint my own pots instead of buying them. It was therapeutic and I enjoyed potting a plant baby in a pot painted just for them. I enjoyed this feeling so much that I wanted to share it with the world and after a few friends and family saying “do it!” Pot of Jules was born. I have however always said I wanted my own ceramics studio one day so I guess my business plan was always in my head I just didn’t envision it as big as I do now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I am a certified Athletic Trainer who decided to take a step back from all of that in order to paint pots instead. I was first introduced to both the world of sports medicine and ceramics in high school. I went on and got a Masters in Athletic Training while saying I wanted my own ceramics studio and trying to find ceramics classes every step of the way. I never once considered myself an artist or saw that goal as realistic because truthfully ceramics didn’t seem accessible. Even the brief introduction I had was due to the fact that I went to a wealthy high school growing up. After years of searching for something that I couldn’t find I am now inspired to create what I see is missing. Much like businesses I’ve had the pleasure of coming across ( POT LA and The Plant Chica) I want to give back to my community and make sure they have the options I was missing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Alright. If my best friend was here honestly it would be all about some bomb food, animals, and of course plants!! I’d definitely make a day out of the LA Zoo. I absolutely ADORE animals and it was such a chill environment last time I went. I would also go and make a day out of visiting The Plant Chica on West Jefferson. Sandras plants are unmatched and the home girl Diana from Café Calle is always near by and knows that I absolutely CANNOT be in LA without having some of her coffee and an ube crinkle from Butter Lab LA. We’re making a week out of this so of course we planned ahead and snagged ourselves a ceramics workshop at POT LA (fingers crossed Kaylee is our teacher) and then I don’t know about all of you but I can’t be near the ocean without seeing some waves so after we get that plant and those drinks and make some pottery we’re heading to the beach for the sunset!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my goodness the list is endless! First and foremost, my mom, Johanna, for inspiring me to keep going each and every day. My boyfriend, Khaneal, for pushing me on the days where I just don’t believe I have it in me. My friends and family who promote me like no other and of course each and every small business friend who has become like family along the way. Their love and support is what keeps me going!

Website: potofjules.com

Instagram: @potofjules

Twitter: @potofjules

Facebook: Pot of Jules