Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Peters.
Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My partner and I started the Witch and the Geek originally as a podcast idea, but we realized we weren’t good podcasters, but we were good artists. As disabled veterans we are in a unique position that has allowed us to not only start a small business in selling our ceramicware but to expand it into a nonprofit venture as well. Pedro went to school for ceramics and during the Covid lockdown taught me how to throw. It became an autistic hyperfixation. As we began to drown in mugs it was his idea to set up a booth at our local farmer’s market. Now seven years later we travel all over North-east Kansas selling our wares.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. Space has been the biggest hurdle. As well as money management. Running a small business is not easy! For the longest time I was throwing in my kitchen and firing in a community kiln, then we were blessed that my mom had space to lease to us. Running a kiln is expensive especially when you have to replace elements every sox months. But, we have learned a lot and have been supported graciously by our community.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I got my bachelor’s degree from K-State in studio arts concentrating in drawing. One of my favorite things to do is incorporate those drawing techniques on mugs. I’m often hand drawing designs and then painting them so no two items are the same. It is probably what I am most proud of about our work at the Witch and the Geek. It allows us to truly provide for our clients when they commission special pieces from us. One of my favorite works was a memorial plate of a pet cat. I painted the pet’s portrait and was encouraged to include additional personality details after watching a few videos the owner sent. It was an honor to make and the client now has a unique piece of art to remember their pet by.
What makes you happy?
I am always thrilled when someone tells me they still have the item they bought from us and its their favorite. Part of our mission is to make art accessible by making it functional. So, when people tell me they’re still using their mug, I get excited and motivated to keep making.
Pricing:
- Our mugs run from $30 to $40 depending on the ounces
- $120 plate sets
- $30 wax melts, incense burners
- $30 garlic graters
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thewitchandthegeek.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewitchandthegeek
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1LZMzQxovQ/
