Creative PASSIONS

Meet three artful entrepreneurs who changed course in life

'I love throwing clay on the wheel'

Lancashire-born Helen Blair, 56, trained as a graphic designer and worked in publishing for more than 30 years before turning her pottery hobby into a business. She lives in south-east London with her partner Rob and two children.

THE IDEA

When we moved house in London 17 years ago, I discovered a pottery studio close by and I started taking lessons. As a designer, any form of creativity was interesting to me. I realized that I love throwing clay on the wheel and enjoyed having lessons over the next few years. Working freelance in publishing meant I could balance my job with taking time to develop my skills, but I found that pottery was taking over more and more of my mind space. I make a range of functional pieces, from mugs to plates and vases, and I love experimenting with colours and glazes.

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT

I couldn't just keep taking lessons, so I committed to renting a space at the local studio, initially for 12 hours a week. I realized quickly that I wanted more time in the studio and was yearning to do it full-time. Eight years ago, I exhibited my work at Dulwich Open House, a local art event. I was thrilled when people not only liked my work but also wanted to buy it. When COVID struck, my freelance work pretty much dried up and I thought this would be a good time to launch myself as a potter. Working in the hired shared space was a bit restrictive, so I poured my life savings into a studio with a wheel and kiln in my garden. It was completed in early 2021 and immediately made a difference. I had my own dedicated space, with peace and quiet to experiment and create. At the same time, I started selling online and at local crafts markets.

BREAKTHROUGH MOMENT