Meet Nicole Peredo | Owner, Pottery Instructor

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

Hi Nicole, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
People may be unaware that the pottery/ceramics industry is very much the same across the board whether we teach or sell however what makes each one of us so different at the same time is that no two pottery studios can be the same because of the community we create. Each person brings a spark of life, ideas, and creativity that can warp a very general space into something magical. This is what i have learned the most in the allowing for my spaces to be what the need to be. In the pottery world, as owners, we know that there is room for all because each one of us brings something unique to the community and apart from that our customers become the essence of each studio. Like a family, i take everyone who knows and loves the spaces very to heart and love to nurture the spark and life there.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my business with a passion and absolutely no idea how to run a business but i knew it took hard work, consistency, a positive outlook, and passion/love for what i do. I am now am where i am because of this but most importantly because of the team and community built. It was a hustle like anything else but when you love something nothing is that hard. Overcoming challenges is essential when having a small business but to overcome it takes humility and action. I have had to lose any emotional attachment from my personal being and have become the alter ego of business owner. I am bound to make mistakes, however i cannot become upset or down. I must accept the mistake and take on the challenge and every single challenge since has been resolved this way. My confidence has built and my willingness to solve problems is the thing i am most proud of about myself and i hope this has made me an even better leader! I want the world to know that we are a small business founded and run 95% by women and people of color. I am proud of this diverse team of creatives who love ceramics and feel fulfilled teaching others. Our brand not only takes pride in teaching but also providing wellness opportunities through creating. We are a wellness and pottery studio that melds the two together to create unique experiences that are regenerative and restorative, mentally and creatively.

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 would take a friend to some creative, historic and beautiful spots in the city like a museum ie LACMA or The Getty Villa. We would hang out in Santa Monica – the best beach LA beach or Malibu- and have a lunch with a view. For dinner we would go into Venice or Culver City for some authentic food spots. And then finish off with a soundbath or yoga class in Venice. I think some exciting places to also visit are East LA where Latino culture is very well rooted. Have some food in Koreatown as well. Have a coffee or hang out in Silverlake/Echo Park. Go to the Griffith Observatory for the views. And always finish off at the beach on the west side for a quintessential socal sunset!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I would like to highlight a couple of businesses that i have grown with and LOVE. Them being:

Moongoat Coffee Roasters
Eco Now
Rye Goods
Work in Progress

Website: www.artimebarro.com

Instagram: artimebarro