Meet owner and craftsman, Jillian Schimmel

 

Originally from Philadelphia, Jillian moved to Phoenix in 2008 to major in ceramics at Arizona Sate University; where she fell in love with the heat and the sunsets and never looked back. She loves working along side her small team in a Tempe studio, sharing her passion and knowledge of sustainable living through this business.

 

Starting in clay from a young age, Jillian gravitates towards the the immediacy and simplicity of clay and the incredibly hands on; physical process. Everyday is different between throwing pots, mixing glazes, loading and unloading kilns, there is never a dull moment.

 

Aside from making ceramics, Jillian is obsessed with hot yoga, baking brownies, and planning her next cross-country road trip.

 

You may ask, "Why Lafayette Avenue"?

 

In Ventnor City, New Jersey- right next to the famous Atlantic City- there is is a quaint street where the front doors are always open, and families gather out on the front porch to enjoy the ocean view. On Lafayette Avenue, there was a small grey house with a red door. This is where the Schimmel family is from and its the heart, soul and inspiration behind our business.