2024: A Year of Reflection and Transformation
As we say goodbye to 2024, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible moments that shaped this year for Freba Pottery. From launching Elemental Claycation to navigating unexpected challenges, this year was one of massive growth and learning.
When I hosted the very first Claycation in December 2023, I spent the entire year leading up to it preparing, dreaming, and planning. In 2024, I made a conscious decision: no chasing shiny distractions. The goal was simple—focus on hosting Claycations monthly (except for July and August) and get back into the studio to create large quantities of functional pottery for the highway store.
The first few months of the year went beautifully. I was inspired by the creativity of my Claycation participants and thrilled to see sales steady at the highway store. But life, as it often does, brought unexpected challenges.
May 6, 2024: A Turning Point
On this day, I received a call from an engineer at Stantec about a proposed passing lane that would directly impact our property and my business. It was a moment of uncertainty, frustration, and determination. Minutes later, the Saskatchewander arrived for a visit and interview—a bright spot that reminded me of the incredible community and opportunities that surround Freba Pottery.
That day, I learned a valuable lesson: growth isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. With every challenge comes the chance to evolve, and with every success, the motivation to dream bigger. The reel by the Saskatchewander hit 1.5 million views over various platforms and the traffic and exposure to the highway store grew 400% which meant that I needed to make more pottery for all those stopping. After eleven years of running the highway store, I saw growth that I didn’t even dream could happen.
In September, I launched the Mural Mug Collection, which was a huge risk as it was a new product, new process and very very time consuming. My husband says that I am time blind…a lesson was learnt with this project of some imposter syndrome, learning and navigating new process and getting the project done. This is the top priority for 2025!
End of November, we got word that the Engineer from Stantec had shipped off the proposal for approval and I let everyone know that we needed help to ensure that this project would not impact the highway in front of my property and business. Everyone showed up and they are not going to put the passing lane in front of our property. Thank you!
The highway store is open 24/7 all year long and I am happy to report that the honour system is working great and I so appreciate all the support and love of my art form.
✨ Looking Ahead to 2025
As I step into 2025, I’m embracing those lessons. Claycation has grown into something truly special—a place where creativity and connection thrive. The new year brings new dates, new dreams, and the opportunity to host even more immersive, transformative pottery retreats.
If you’re ready to start the year with creativity and connection, join me for Claycation 2025. Spots are filling fast, so don’t wait!
📅 Check the Dates and Reserve Your Spot:
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to another year of creativity, connection, and resilience. I can’t wait to see what we’ll create together in 2025! 🧡
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