Say hello: Olla Homeware

We’re getting to know Jade of Olla Homeware in today’s Say Hello blog. Jade is one of our long standing tenant at Meanwhile House in Cardiff.

Thanks for speaking to us today Jade! Can you tell us a bit more about Olla Homeware and how you got started?

I make and sell functional and decorative ceramicware. It started as a project for my professional practice module in my third year at uni then I set up the business pretty much just as I left uni in 2016! But I didn’t really get serious until 2020.

So, who’s in the team?

Just me! Although I do share my space with two other talented makers.

Is this your first studio space and how long have you been at Meanwhile House?

Since Autumn 2017. I had a residency with Cardiff Met where they gave me a space within the university for a year following my graduation. Technically Meanwhile House is my first post uni space. It’s meant a great deal for me, more so over the last year. My space is not only my working zone but my escape from reality where I have the freedom to create without the boundaries of space limitation that you may get when working from home.

What made you choose Cardiff?

I graduated from Cardiff Met and just loved the city enough to stay. My family live 100 miles away in Pembrokeshire and I feel that Cardiff is placed in a way where I can get to most prominent locations within a 2 hour drive. It is also a more affordable city to live, with a thriving arts community. Therefore it makes it a great location for a budding artist.

It also has great food, drink, people and green spaces. When it’s super hot and bright, some areas in Cardiff look like you’re abroad. It’s really nice.

Costa Del Cardiff! Next can you tell us one interesting fact about Olla Homeware?

Olla was named after the latin word for pot!

We didn’t know that, that’s great! What do you think are the best parts of your job?

The making and seeing the pieces come out the kiln, when I get the notification through that someone has bought something off my website or even when I do a market and someone picks something up and gets excited about buying it. I make for those moments!

… And the toughest?

Keeping on top of social media, growing a following and website maintenance. It’s a full time job in itself. Also when you crack that kiln open and see broken/melty things, that’s not a good feeling.

I can imagine that’s tough. Looking back at your career, is there any advice you would’ve given yourself at the beginning?

Don’t expect things to happen overnight. Just be patient, work hard and things will work themselves out eventually. Don’t give up!

Are you involved in any other projects?

I currently work in retail part time, so I juggle that with making and selling. I do find it difficult but it’s about being smart with your time and having strict working hours. Otherwise you’ll burn out quite easily.

Lastly, can you tell us what’s in store for Olla Homeware in 2021?

I have Chepstow market booked in for Sat 25th July but the biggest thing I have coming up next is my week long pop up selling with the Great British Exchange within John Lewis Cardiff. I’ll be selling there the first week of November. Follow me on IG for any other upcoming markets that haven’t been confirmed yet.

---

More on Olla Homeware

Follow Jade on Instagram and Facebook. You can also visit her website here.

Meanwhile Creative

At Meanwhile Creative we take a creative approach to ‘meanwhile’ space. We can find flexible, affordable and practical workspace for your project whether this be office space, studio space or desk space in Cardiff, Bristol or Manchester. We have something for everyone.