Beauty Is In The Eye

Story By Natalie Salvatore Photos Contributed By Kara Newby Pottery

After Kara Newby’s husband gifted her with private pottery lessons in 2007, passion for a new craft was born. Little did Newby know that someday, she would open her very own business in a place that welcomed her graciously with open arms. Kara Newby Pottery is a small-batch pottery business in Auburn. Newby is all about showcasing life’s everyday beauties through her many pieces.

“I love that these pieces I make with my hands become a part of someone’s home,” Newby said. “One of the most special moments to me is when I unexpectedly see a piece I made in someone’s home or being used by someone.”

Each piece of pottery she makes is unique. One aspect Newby said she loves about her pottery is that with everything she sells, she knows she is touching the lives of others in personal

ways. Not only are her products meaningful, but they are also functional. She knows that someone may drink their next cup of coffee out of one of her mugs, use one of her food-serving platters for their next gathering of family and friends or display their plant in one of her planters.

“Some of my dishes can be found serving up the amazing food at Acre, and other pieces are sold as a part of the Irritable Bao community,” she said. “Several real estate agents also give my pieces as their client gifts.”

The local connections Newby makes allow her to meet people in the community that she never would have met otherwise.

Since beginning pottery lessons, combined with the tips and tricks Newby has learned via in-person and online pottery communities, Newby runs her own side business without any formal training. The business began after initially selling pieces at Summer Night, a downtown Auburn Art show, when a fellow studio member inspired her with the idea. Over the years, she has honed her craft and received local recognition. Newby reflected on a time where her name was mentioned on a local radio station, in which the announcer referred to her as a “local artist.”

“For a long time, I felt like because I didn’t have an education or degree in art, I couldn’t really call myself an ‘artist,’ so, in that moment, when she recognized my name and labeled me an artist, it felt really special to me,” Newby said. “She legitimized me in a way.”

Newby expressed how turning a passion into a business takes everything up a notch, bringing with it possible challenges and unknown areas, such as the financial side of running a small business, as well as its necessary media components. She said that it is sometimes difficult for her to fully focus on creating

her pieces, while at the same time, fully advertise her work through social media. Especially with a craft such as hers, a lot of thought, preparation and care go into a small business, and Newby said it is no short and easy feat. She shed a light on how small businesses want and appreciate each customer’s business, but sometimes need that extra bit of patience from the public to handle the demands and needs that go into everyday operations.

As other businesses struggled during the pandemic, Newby said COVID-19 was also hard on her. Not only was she helping her three children with their own classes, but she too was teaching and taking classes, as she is currently working toward earning a PhD. However, as her pottery business is on the side, the canceled art shows were not financially devastating. Additionally, she was able to continue working on her pottery from inside her home.

“Having that outlet was really good for me,” she said. “I wasn’t

reliant on a studio having to be open, so I was still able to work and create things.”

As she looks ahead to her business’s future, Newby reflects on the past and where she started.

With the community’s support, pieces she thought would never be sold have since found their spot in someone’s home, business or in a gift bag, awaiting its recipient. As always, she will continue to strive for learning and growth.

“Sometimes, I look back at some of my first pieces, pieces that I sold in the beginning, and I think, ‘I can’t believe people paid money for that,’” Newby said. “But I also sometimes look back and think, ‘Wow, that was really a beautiful piece, and I’m so glad it has a good home here.’” Throughout her business’s development, Newby’s pottery has evolved into a refined art that resonates with people in different ways, she explained. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. As the holiday months approach, Newby is gearing up for her work’s many showcases. Find her pottery at the Local Market in J&M and at the Holiday Art Sale at the Harris Center on Nov. 19, as well as at the Downtown Holiday Sale on Dec. 3. Newby appreciates the pottery studios she can continue to learn from in the AuburnOpelika community and strives to remain humble throughout this entire experience. “I am thankful for all who have helped me along the way,” she said. “I probably would not have this business if it wasn’t for them.” Visit www.karanewbypottery.com/ to find more information, as well as a gallery of her work and social media links. One can inquire about commission requests or other questions via the contact tab found there.