It’s been a minute since I have written a new blog post! If you read my last post, “Busy Bee”, you know that I had been juggling a lot of new work. Although I decided to drop some of my part-time positions, I have to say I don’t think I am any less busy! Most of my time is spent at Bitter Root Pottery, where I am now the studio manager! If you’re in the LA area and want to take a class, you can sign up here! I teach the Sunday 1pm Adult Beginner Wheel Class and at various times Monday-Wednesday. I’m also open and available to teach privates (kids & adults) so feel free to message me if you’re interested in setting something up! 

Although I am incredibly grateful to have a steady job in a field that I love, the flip side to working so much is that I definitely do not have much downtime to be creative, both personally and for my small business. You can probably see that my presence on social media is a little sporadic and I haven’t been making as many new items. Just like everyone else, I am continuously working on this balancing act between work, life, and my small biz. With the uncertainty and stress of the holidays, during a pandemic, quickly approaches I know I will need to prioritize making time for myself to create as it is so important to my self-care and personal well-being. A win-win for us all I hope. I will get some much-needed creative downtime and you’ll see some new items in my shop! ;)

I have carved out a bit of time for myself and will have a small new batch of ceramics available next week! The new ceramics will drop on Friday, November 27th to coincide with the Hana Holiday Craft Show. The craft show will run from Friday, November 27-Tuesday, December 1. They have built a website that will showcase local artists and small businesses, many owned by AAPI women! You can find the website here. The website will fully launch on the 27th but you can read more about their event on the website for now. I’ve also shared additional links and information to their Facebook event and Instagram on my events page. Many of the artists, including myself, will have special show deals that can only be found on the Hana website! I’m excited to participate and support other small businesses, like mine through this event. Artists and small businesses definitely need extra love this holiday season as many of the in-person shows have been canceled. The holiday season is typically the busiest for many of us so your support, whether it is buying an item, sharing our newsletter with a friend, or reposting something from our social media truly goes a long way!

What else… I have slowly, but surely, worked on a handful of custom orders. You can check out more of my custom work in my portfolio here! Otherwise, my mom has still been making new masks for my shop! (Thanks, Mom!!) Starting today, I will be offering a deal of “Buy 2 masks, get 1 for free”! Many of our masks are on sale in my shop so stock up while supplies last. My last plug will be that I do have a handful of ornaments in my shop! They are all $10 or less and make a great gift idea for the holidays. 

Finally, the biggest and most exciting news of all, is that my partner, Andrew, and I got engaged this past weekend! He proposed at Pfieffer Beach, in Big Sur and it was absolutely perfect. We were able to take a little time off together to head North, where we got to spend time camping, hiking, and enjoying the sweeping coastline views along Highway 1. This is not Sakai Harts & Crafts related of course, but I am so excited and happy I couldn’t resist sharing. 

On that note, I want to thank you for reading and wish you and your loved ones a happy almost Thanksgiving. Take care of yourself and others, wear a mask, and support your local and small business friends.