Well, 2021 has arrived and although I was not expecting much to change, it has been an emotionally trying week and a half. I want to share with you some positives that did come out of 2020 for my small biz but feel it is first necessary to acknowledge the madness going on in our country right now. Like many of you, I am still processing watching the insurrection happen at the Capitol last week by domestic terrorists. It was horrifying to watch this blatant display of white privilege by the individuals storming the Capitol and even more horrifying, although not surprising, that it seemed this mob was not being dealt with seriously. I am saddened that there was not more action taken, in real-time, given the severity of what took place on the 6th. We all saw what a stark contrast it was to this past summer of peaceful protesting for equal rights for Black Americans. I feel it is important we acknowledge this disparity of the two different Americas that we continue to see, question why this is the “norm”, and find ways to help enact positive changes. 

2020 was a difficult year, for so many reasons, but I am beyond grateful that it allowed me to spend more time on my small business. I challenged myself to take my creativity and artistic talents seriously and it is slowly but surely paying off. Here is a very quick recap of my first year owning my small biz. Sakai Harts & Crafts reached its first anniversary this year (woo!) and despite being unable to create new ceramics for at least 5 months due to the pandemic, I processed over 150 orders, sold over 100 pieces of pottery, raised funds for a variety of organizations, and completed over 15 custom orders! This was mainly due to the support and help I received from my mom and loved ones, especially when we pivoted to sewing face masks during my pottery dry spell. Together we sewed over 850 face masks in 2020 and donated over 350 of them to local organizations, friends, and family. We are putting a hold on creating new ones for now but all of our masks will be on sale starting this Wednesday, January 13th at 10 AM. This huge new year’s clearance sale is to clean house and make way for what I hope to focus on this year, ceramics.

My new pottery will drop on Friday, January 29th at 10 AM and I cannot wait to share my work with you. I’ve been working hard to create unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. No item in my shop is the same so when you buy a piece of pottery from me, you’re truly getting something special that no one else will have! It’s hard to plan ahead at this time but for now, I will be focusing on creating fun and bright ceramics, staying safe, and spreading some love and joy through my artwork.