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

Hi Kate, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
To be honest my work life balance is not great at the moment but I’m working on it. I am currently doing too much. I don’t take a proper weekend and find it hard to switch off. I don’t see it as sustainable. I hope it will only be short term and I’ll be able to ease off on work a bit next year. I would like to take more walks and days out with my family and work on my fitness.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a potter and I make a sell my work online and through a handful of shops. I have also started teaching pottery and I am loving it! I mostly make my pottery on a wheel from my garden workshop in Sussex England. It is quite solitary, so I have BBC radio for company. I studied Fine Art Painting and wanted a new surface to paint on, so took some pottery classes back in 2012. After I had my son I decided to become a professional potter. I was lucky to have been given my pottery wheel and kiln for free. An elderly couple I didn’t know, wanted to get rid of a their pottery equipment quickly and I heard about it through my mum. My husband had a van to go and collect it and it was a matter of right place right time! I suddenly had a pottery business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live on the outskirts of Brighton, a vibrant, liberal city. In south coast of England. We’re right on the edge near the hills with cows opposite us. So I have the best of both worlds. If I want a bit of city life I can jump on a bus and be in the heart of the city in 10 mins. I would take my guests to my husbands plant-based cafe TIGER EATS CARROT. And have one of the open kebabs and finish with a delicious coffee after. I would then take them through ‘The Laines’ a series of roads with loads of independent shops, vintage shops and cafes.
After a wonder through the shops we’d head to Brighton’s pebble beach and have an icecream and dip our toes in the English Channel.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would say my parents have a lot to do with my success. They are both very supportive in their own way. My mum is an artist. She makes me laugh, I could suggest the most bizarre risky thing and she’ll be right behind it and want to help. She is unwavering in her support. My Dad is sensible and risk averse, so he is more considered in his approach and that grounds me. They are very different people but I think that really helps me. I should also say my husband as he’ll be annoyed if I don’t mention him!

Website: www.katebrigden.com

Instagram: @katebrigden_pottery

Other: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/KateBrigdenMade

Image Credits
Photo : Jacob Richardson

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