Behind The Scenes with Jill Rosenwald

As a small business owner myself, there isn’t much that thrills me more than watching other successful women shine. And that rings particularly true when it comes to talented ceramics designer Jill Rosenwald. There’s a very good chance you’ve seen her work before – it’s literally everything it’s that good. But if not, allow me to make your acquaintance. Either way, it’s pretty exciting to have her here today sharing a behind the scenes peek at her business, and her process. From how she got her start, to her collaboration with popular designer Erin Gates of Elements of Style, to her best advice when inspiration takes a hiatus, read on for all of the goods.

If there are any other makers or entrepreneurs you’d like me to feature in this new series, please let me know in the comments below. And feel free to check out the others right here.

Where is your workspace and what do you love most about it?
Our space is in Fort Point Channel in downtown Boston. I love being here by the harbor, in a cozy well lit space surrounded by my supportive team, where we get the unique opportunity to make special handmade things that bring joy to people.

Why did you first decide to start your own business, and how did you launch it?
I didn’t so much decide to start a business in a super conscious way like, “I am deciding I want to start a business now!” I just started making things and selling them and it caught on, so I kept going. One foot in front of the other.

You began your business with ceramics, and have expanded your offerings from there. How did you choose what to move forward with at each turn?
Not so much with conscious decisions, but rather opportunities arose and I said yes to those. The first licensing opportunity was in ceramics with a California company that wanted a mass production line. All the other lines and relationships blossomed out of the success of the first.

What’s the hardest thing about being your own boss?
Feeling like you don’t have all the answers, and then not knowing who to ask. When you are the boss, it’s all you baby!

When your creativity well has run dry, what do you do to get inspired again?
I love this quote from Picasso: “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working”. And this quote from Twyla Tharp, “Honey it’s all been done before. Nothing is really original. Not Homer or Shakespeare and certainly not you. Get over yourself.” Put the two together and you have my answer.

What colors, textures, and materials are inspiring you at the moment?
Right now I am in love with sap green, thunder gray and marlin blue (which is like denim)… and I love washes of color, or the look of things that time has worn just a bit. All things with softer edges and vibes. Cashmere and suede and washed linen.

When it comes to your own home, what do you like your space to feel like?
I like layers, and history in a space- reflecting the lives of the people who have lived in it and traveled. A house should feel homey with lots of art, blankets, and books; and most importantly human people and animals.

What made you decide to do the collaboration ceramic collections?
The first collaboration was with Erin Gates of Elements of Style, who was my studio mate at the time. I wanted to show her that she could brand herself further by building products, and that a cool way to start would be to work with me designing a capsule collection. It just made sense. Now Erin has several collections- jewelry, handbags, furniture, and home accessories.
I did it as a gesture of generosity, but as it goes when you give- you always gain so much more really! Not only was our collection a hit, but it was really fun to work on something with another person who has a different aesthetic from my own. Also the frisson of two designers is electric and intriguing. I think our clients get excited about it, so I kept on doing it. Erin and I just launched a new capsule: the Scandia Collection.

What’s the most popular vase in your shop, and how did that design come about?
The most popular piece this season is the Coper bowl in the High Five pattern. It can be used as a vase for plant arrangements, particularly orchids. I know the reason it is so popular is that the pattern fits the shape so beautifully, and the way it is painted is very now and right on. We are in a period of softness and more organic vibes lately. Our pieces are stand outs in a space but we are hoping that the volume has been toned down a wee bit. This collection is not shouting, it is speaking gently.

What upcoming project are you most excited to work on right now?
I have an idea for a bedding line that should blow the lid on the industry (in my humble opinion). It is pretty huge.

I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for…
My family.

Designer, Studio & Ceramics: Jill Rosenwald | Photography: Somer Jones for Jill Rosenwald