Who knew that pottery could be the catalyst to my happiness? If you had asked me five years ago, I would have never said that I have a handmade mug on my wish list. What can I say? I was young, ignorant, and oblivious to the magic that is: 2232 Ceramics.
Brooke Martinez, founder and mastermind behind this Spokane-based business, is one of the kindest people I’ve had the chance to meet. She is a mom, and passionate beyond words for her art.
Last year she was also featured in our 2019 Holiday Gift Guide, and when I began planning for this year, I knew she had to be on the Explore Washington State 2020 Gift Guide.
Business Beginnings
Brooke started her business back in 2017 and has been creating little pieces of art full time for over a year now. Previously she had a desk job and while she enjoyed it, it left her wishing for more hands-on creation. She began taking classes at a local studio, The Clay Connection. These lessons lightened her inner kiln (haha) reminding her of the time she spent in high school taking ceramics.
Thanks to a family member owning a kiln, she was able to loan it out, and took up shop in her garage. Her days were spent practicing and honing her art, style and designs. She hasn’t looked back since!
Brooke’s days are filled with creating handles, glazing, firing up the kiln, and managing her online presence — there isn’t anything she can’t handle.
Designs
Her designs reflect nature. Whether it be from the Pacific Northwest, fish, or monstera leaves, each piece is shaped, glazed and put together by hand. Mugs, vases, bowls and other new drops sell out in minutes. Literally, minutes.
This year, I’m highly recommending the same mug as last year: The Pine Tree Mug, though I’m secretly wishing for the blue tumbler version.
After a solid year of using this mug almost daily, and the number of compliments we’ve received on it, I can declare: It’s a must have! If I’m being upfront, it’s taken a fall or two and while I can’t claim her mugs won’t break – mine has held together!
If you do decide to gift one of her beautiful mugs or bowls this year, please remind the recipient that they shouldn’t put it in the dishwasher! Included in the packaging is a quick note of reminder, but it is much gentler for them if they are washed by hand.
Do you want to learn more about Brooke and a bit about her process? Make sure to follow her on Instagram, check out her shop and give our podcast episode a listen!
