July 28, 2023
JESS REEDY: ceramicist, yoga/movement instructor, owner of Pineapple Studios in Wilmington, NC
This is a special interview and readers are in for a treat. Jess Reedy, the talented owner of Pineapple Studios in Wilmington, North Carolina, sat down with me on a sunny morning outside, and we discussed, among other things, the inspiration for her studio, her love of yoga and pottery, and her unique answer when asked how she finds balance within her busy life. Jess remains one of the most optimistic, energetic, and creative souls that I’ve met in the Wilmington community thus far, with a studio that offers both yoga and pottery classes.
A sweet, mutual friend referred me to her studio a couple of years back when there was an opening for a yoga instructor position. Upon first meeting Jess, I knew that her creative space (which includes her love-filled furry friend, Yogi!) was something that I wanted to be a part of, and I’ve been teaching weekly yoga classes there ever since. While I’ve only taken one ceramics class at her studio so far, it was an enjoyable and fulfilling experience - a Friday evening ‘Wine & Wheel’, a fun and inclusive all-levels class in which participants have a chance to try out the pottery wheel and make a few creations of their own. Jess is a powerhouse with her work, and while she typically stays busy, she maintains her cheerful and down-to-earth demeanor through it all.
When asked where the name ‘Pineapple Studios’ originated from, Jess said that ‘pineapple’ was her nickname growing up, and she was always drawn to the color yellow, hence, pineapples. Born and raised in Virginia, Jess ventured further south to attend college at Eastern Carolina University (ECU). During this time, she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training through Yoga Fit, becoming certified in different levels while teaching. She went on to discover Wilmington, NC while visiting a friend at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW). Jess describes her first feelings of Wilmington as a loving, happier place than many others cities she’d visited or lived in, and that is ultimately what drew her there, the future birthplace of Pineapple Studios.
Pineapple Studios serves as a welcoming and laidback gem in the community, and as Jess states on her studio website, “We believe that Wilmington is at its best when people feel included, supported, and well.” Please continue reading below for snippets of our conversation, and to learn more about her background, outlook on life, her thoughts on the mind-body-earth connection, and why she doesn’t mind a plunge in cold water!
Enjoy!
A sweet, mutual friend referred me to her studio a couple of years back when there was an opening for a yoga instructor position. Upon first meeting Jess, I knew that her creative space (which includes her love-filled furry friend, Yogi!) was something that I wanted to be a part of, and I’ve been teaching weekly yoga classes there ever since. While I’ve only taken one ceramics class at her studio so far, it was an enjoyable and fulfilling experience - a Friday evening ‘Wine & Wheel’, a fun and inclusive all-levels class in which participants have a chance to try out the pottery wheel and make a few creations of their own. Jess is a powerhouse with her work, and while she typically stays busy, she maintains her cheerful and down-to-earth demeanor through it all.
When asked where the name ‘Pineapple Studios’ originated from, Jess said that ‘pineapple’ was her nickname growing up, and she was always drawn to the color yellow, hence, pineapples. Born and raised in Virginia, Jess ventured further south to attend college at Eastern Carolina University (ECU). During this time, she completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training through Yoga Fit, becoming certified in different levels while teaching. She went on to discover Wilmington, NC while visiting a friend at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington (UNCW). Jess describes her first feelings of Wilmington as a loving, happier place than many others cities she’d visited or lived in, and that is ultimately what drew her there, the future birthplace of Pineapple Studios.
Pineapple Studios serves as a welcoming and laidback gem in the community, and as Jess states on her studio website, “We believe that Wilmington is at its best when people feel included, supported, and well.” Please continue reading below for snippets of our conversation, and to learn more about her background, outlook on life, her thoughts on the mind-body-earth connection, and why she doesn’t mind a plunge in cold water!
Enjoy!
***
QUESTION 1:
Mary Catherine (MC): “Since opening Pineapple Studios, it has quickly become a special gathering spot for creativity and community. When did you start it? What influenced you to open a studio that offers both pottery and yoga?”
Jess: “I started Pineapple Studios 9 ½ years ago as of July 2023. Which feels like the craziest time warp ever because it feels like 4 years - maximum. Time flies.
I started teaching yoga in 2008-ish and I found ceramics around that same time. So these two things became very intertwined in my days from an early age. I fell in love with the therapeutic nature of the two - they go together more than you'd think. But as the studio evolves, or I guess, as I evolve, I tend to enjoy the playfulness of both. I certainly find yoga and clay to still be very healing, but there is something more lighthearted about them for me now.”
Mary Catherine (MC): “Since opening Pineapple Studios, it has quickly become a special gathering spot for creativity and community. When did you start it? What influenced you to open a studio that offers both pottery and yoga?”
Jess: “I started Pineapple Studios 9 ½ years ago as of July 2023. Which feels like the craziest time warp ever because it feels like 4 years - maximum. Time flies.
I started teaching yoga in 2008-ish and I found ceramics around that same time. So these two things became very intertwined in my days from an early age. I fell in love with the therapeutic nature of the two - they go together more than you'd think. But as the studio evolves, or I guess, as I evolve, I tend to enjoy the playfulness of both. I certainly find yoga and clay to still be very healing, but there is something more lighthearted about them for me now.”
Describing the evolution of her relationship to yoga, Jess explains that it began with her being new to the discipline and structure of it, and in time moving to discover it in a more loving way. As she describes above, her relationship with yoga has become more playful and lighthearted, almost a reflection of not taking yourself so seriously, especially as we get older. This is a mindset that I have to remind myself to return to now and again, as it is so easy to get caught up in the grind and demands of daily life. It’s also a crucial reminder to acknowledge the big picture of life and try to not get too bogged down in petty details or drama.
This sense of playfulness, Jess notes, is found within the studio’s daily spirit, creating a space in which participants can have fun. She is continually influenced by how other people enjoy the craft, whether it’s on the wheel or the mat. Both yoga and pottery can potentially be intimidating for beginners, but the Pineapple community welcomes you with open arms, whether you remain in child’s pose throughout a yoga class, sit covered in clay with a collapsed piece on the wheel, successfully complete a handstand on the mat, or create the next gallery-winning piece.
This sense of playfulness, Jess notes, is found within the studio’s daily spirit, creating a space in which participants can have fun. She is continually influenced by how other people enjoy the craft, whether it’s on the wheel or the mat. Both yoga and pottery can potentially be intimidating for beginners, but the Pineapple community welcomes you with open arms, whether you remain in child’s pose throughout a yoga class, sit covered in clay with a collapsed piece on the wheel, successfully complete a handstand on the mat, or create the next gallery-winning piece.
QUESTION 2:
MC: “How do you view the importance / benefits of pottery and yoga?”
Jess: "I value anything that gets you out of your comfort zone. I also think it's important to try new things amongst other people and find community. After a bit of practice, yoga and pottery are both very meditative. You get lost in what you're doing, an hour feels like twenty minutes, you're away from your phone, and you're unplugged from the world. It's time spent with yourself.”
MC: “How do you view the importance / benefits of pottery and yoga?”
Jess: "I value anything that gets you out of your comfort zone. I also think it's important to try new things amongst other people and find community. After a bit of practice, yoga and pottery are both very meditative. You get lost in what you're doing, an hour feels like twenty minutes, you're away from your phone, and you're unplugged from the world. It's time spent with yourself.”
During our conversation, the concept arose of creative flow and the importance of stepping away from modern-day technology as a way to tap into that state, and really feel and enjoy a creative outlet, realizing how fast time flies when you give yourself permission to let go. Jess says one of her favorite aspects of creating pottery is not having her phone on her, which allows her to be more present and access potential opportunities that may otherwise be missed. This sense of presence also helps friendships form in a studio where fast connections are made on a regular basis.
QUESTION 3:
MC: “The front window of Pineapple Studios displays the painted quote (among others), 'Joy looks good on you.' What sparks joy for you? And taking that a step further, what are some of your main sources of inspiration?”
Jess: “I love having that written on the window. I wanted something that, in some small way, captured the expression of happiness on people's faces after a morning stretch or a session on the pottery wheel.
I find joy in the studio. I find joy in a morning cup of coffee outside with my dog, Yogi. I also recognize that I just seem to operate on a higher than average merriment frequency. I sing and dance around in the morning. I wake up in a joking mood. I have a lot of energy throughout the day. Haha, I'm honestly probably pretty exhausting to be around. I don't know. I'm just here for a good time in case I can't be here for a long time. I've been told I inherited that from my Grandpa. He was a happy guy, but it was his joy despite any circumstances that made him so special. I actually think of him quite a bit as I move through my day."
For the last 2-3 years, I've tried to find inspiration in joy itself. To find beauty as it exists, not because something beautiful was born from tragedy. I used to find myself inspired by grief and the ways we can make something meaningful out of hardships. I think that's just indicative of where I was in my life at the time. But lately I've been challenging myself to see beauty first. Instead of taking the mess or the pain and making it into something good or positive, I'm working to see the positive first and maintaining my sights and appreciation there. It actually takes quite a bit of effort! It's one thing to look for a silver lining, it's another thing to look for gold. That's my inspiration lately.”
MC: “The front window of Pineapple Studios displays the painted quote (among others), 'Joy looks good on you.' What sparks joy for you? And taking that a step further, what are some of your main sources of inspiration?”
Jess: “I love having that written on the window. I wanted something that, in some small way, captured the expression of happiness on people's faces after a morning stretch or a session on the pottery wheel.
I find joy in the studio. I find joy in a morning cup of coffee outside with my dog, Yogi. I also recognize that I just seem to operate on a higher than average merriment frequency. I sing and dance around in the morning. I wake up in a joking mood. I have a lot of energy throughout the day. Haha, I'm honestly probably pretty exhausting to be around. I don't know. I'm just here for a good time in case I can't be here for a long time. I've been told I inherited that from my Grandpa. He was a happy guy, but it was his joy despite any circumstances that made him so special. I actually think of him quite a bit as I move through my day."
For the last 2-3 years, I've tried to find inspiration in joy itself. To find beauty as it exists, not because something beautiful was born from tragedy. I used to find myself inspired by grief and the ways we can make something meaningful out of hardships. I think that's just indicative of where I was in my life at the time. But lately I've been challenging myself to see beauty first. Instead of taking the mess or the pain and making it into something good or positive, I'm working to see the positive first and maintaining my sights and appreciation there. It actually takes quite a bit of effort! It's one thing to look for a silver lining, it's another thing to look for gold. That's my inspiration lately.”
In speaking about the importance of her relationship with her grandfather, and the similarities that she notices between them, Jess reveals that she can see and understand herself more clearly now and that she continues to grow in closeness to him, even though he has passed. In spite of the loss, she continues to see the gold, the thing of beauty, and perhaps it is this sacred melding of opposites that can allow one to deeply tap in, recognize, and appreciate joy. Yet, the concept of recognizing beauty (and joy) in and of itself feels fresh – it possesses a sense of renewal, optimism, and gratitude.
The quote from American poet Emily Dickinson sums it up: “Beauty is not caused. It [just] is.”
We also discussed feeling allowed, even encouraged, to continually feel new as a person. Jess’s newfound mindset of finding ‘beauty as it exists’ inspired her to recently create her now signature ‘Happy Camper’ mugs, a playful take on her everyday ‘camp mug’ with an added big yellow smiley face, a piece of pottery that sparks joy upon first noticing it. The takeaway message for me is this: choose joy!
The quote from American poet Emily Dickinson sums it up: “Beauty is not caused. It [just] is.”
We also discussed feeling allowed, even encouraged, to continually feel new as a person. Jess’s newfound mindset of finding ‘beauty as it exists’ inspired her to recently create her now signature ‘Happy Camper’ mugs, a playful take on her everyday ‘camp mug’ with an added big yellow smiley face, a piece of pottery that sparks joy upon first noticing it. The takeaway message for me is this: choose joy!
QUESTION 4:
MC: “How do you find balance between running a busy studio and still finding time for yourself to take a breath and re-center? In other words, how do you maintain your work / life balance?”
Jess: “I don't. Balance takes up 0% of my brain space. I live all-in for whatever area of my life needs me most at the time. I trust that it all balances out in the end. Or as they say, it all comes out in the wash.”
MC: “How do you find balance between running a busy studio and still finding time for yourself to take a breath and re-center? In other words, how do you maintain your work / life balance?”
Jess: “I don't. Balance takes up 0% of my brain space. I live all-in for whatever area of my life needs me most at the time. I trust that it all balances out in the end. Or as they say, it all comes out in the wash.”
It's super refreshing to hear Jess's take on balance, or lack thereof, within her life, and it goes to show that what works for one person may be completely different for another person. It may sound surprising but she says it would take more effort to be structured, and that she doesn't feel happy when trying to force rigidity. Her response highlights the importance of flexibility in life and the benefits of being able to go with the flow. She explains further that she tries to give 100% to whatever she is focused on at the time, like a one thing at a time approach.
I believe there is wisdom in this, because while there can be benefits to multitasking, giving your full focus to one thing at a time can help prevent distractions from the goal at hand, highlighting perhaps the benefits of a more slow and steady mindset. I personally struggle to consistently keep my days structured, and while I attempt to find balance as much as I can, it seems that total balance remains out of reach. Yet hearing Jess's perspective on balance versus imbalance helps me to feel better about any lack of balance within my own life.
I believe there is wisdom in this, because while there can be benefits to multitasking, giving your full focus to one thing at a time can help prevent distractions from the goal at hand, highlighting perhaps the benefits of a more slow and steady mindset. I personally struggle to consistently keep my days structured, and while I attempt to find balance as much as I can, it seems that total balance remains out of reach. Yet hearing Jess's perspective on balance versus imbalance helps me to feel better about any lack of balance within my own life.
QUESTION 5:
MC: “What are your thoughts, if any, on the mind-body-earth connection? Do you notice this connection often in pottery and / or yoga?"
Jess: “Absolutely. An indigenous framing of that would be spirit. I have zero doubts that I'm living my purpose, which I recognize makes me truly, very lucky. I often find myself lost in childhood memories as I work through the day and I catch myself in subconscious conversations with God. I pray a lot, without the formality of prayer. The prayer is just in what I do, in the repetition, and in my immense gratitude for it. All of it is spirit."
MC: “What are your thoughts, if any, on the mind-body-earth connection? Do you notice this connection often in pottery and / or yoga?"
Jess: “Absolutely. An indigenous framing of that would be spirit. I have zero doubts that I'm living my purpose, which I recognize makes me truly, very lucky. I often find myself lost in childhood memories as I work through the day and I catch myself in subconscious conversations with God. I pray a lot, without the formality of prayer. The prayer is just in what I do, in the repetition, and in my immense gratitude for it. All of it is spirit."
Both sides of Jess's family are of Cherokee descent, and consequently the concept of spirit and her ancestors plays a crucial role in her identity and mindset. She explains that her roots strongly influence her interest in pottery, as well as yoga.
On another note, Jess tells me that if she hadn’t become a ceramicist, yoga instructor, and studio owner, she would probably have been a photojournalist. Even though she didn’t pursue photojournalism in a formal manner, she is still able to capture and display her creative eye for life through her studio marketing and social media. I think that all of those career options sound fulfilling, and I think it’s so cool that she’s been able to meld her different hobbies and interests together as a way to make a living while sharing her art with the world.
On another note, Jess tells me that if she hadn’t become a ceramicist, yoga instructor, and studio owner, she would probably have been a photojournalist. Even though she didn’t pursue photojournalism in a formal manner, she is still able to capture and display her creative eye for life through her studio marketing and social media. I think that all of those career options sound fulfilling, and I think it’s so cool that she’s been able to meld her different hobbies and interests together as a way to make a living while sharing her art with the world.
QUESTION 6:
MC: “How do you tap into your authenticity? How do you tap into confidence in yourself?"
Jess: “I have things that are foundational to who I am, and I can lean into any one of them when I need to feel more grounded. Taking a dip in the ocean, working towards a large goal, time spent with my sister, drinking my morning coffee outside - all of these are go-tos for me. Even just carving out a bit of time and space to journal or work on a poem. I try to stay in a place of authenticity (which, for anyone reading, gets easier as you get older) so if I'm feeling disconnected it's usually just a sign that I need to unplug and unwind a bit."
MC: “How do you tap into your authenticity? How do you tap into confidence in yourself?"
Jess: “I have things that are foundational to who I am, and I can lean into any one of them when I need to feel more grounded. Taking a dip in the ocean, working towards a large goal, time spent with my sister, drinking my morning coffee outside - all of these are go-tos for me. Even just carving out a bit of time and space to journal or work on a poem. I try to stay in a place of authenticity (which, for anyone reading, gets easier as you get older) so if I'm feeling disconnected it's usually just a sign that I need to unplug and unwind a bit."
Speaking with Jess, I notice a sense of confidence and ease in her statements, and she possesses a strong sense of self-awareness. It's heartening to hear her feedback, and reminds me that I can return to what is grounding for me when feeling disconnected or overwhelmed about life. Her words are also empowering and motivating, as she says that as she ages, she's found more ease and experiences less shock value, settling more end more into her own authenticity and confidence.
QUESTION 7:
MC: "What does your ideal day look like?"
Jess: "It's hard to beat a day off, a day to rest your bones. So for me an ideal day starts nice and slow, with a cup of coffee on the porch. I love waking up with the sun just to do nothing but drink coffee and read or write until 10am. That's a great morning for me. I love to put on some cartoons or a tried-and-true 90s rom-com in the background while I make breakfast. I am not a chef by any means, so a frozen waffle is my go-to. But I guess in my ideal day I would have a waffle maker and enjoy the real deal. Either way - waffles for breakfast.
I always love to do a little studio tinkering while we're closed. So after breakfast I'd swing by the shop to maybe do a little kiln work, or just shift some pots around to dry. Something to make me feel organized for the next day. The afternoon would have to be spent out on the water. Nothing beats a salty swim after messing around with the heat of the kilns. I love taking the boat through the intracoastal and finding some of the more deserted spots or searching for dolphins. I love a day that ends in either a casual dinner party with some good friends, or a meal on the fancier side out with my husband. A glass of wine or a dirty martini and it's been a good day for me.
I live my ideal day most Sundays.”
MC: "What does your ideal day look like?"
Jess: "It's hard to beat a day off, a day to rest your bones. So for me an ideal day starts nice and slow, with a cup of coffee on the porch. I love waking up with the sun just to do nothing but drink coffee and read or write until 10am. That's a great morning for me. I love to put on some cartoons or a tried-and-true 90s rom-com in the background while I make breakfast. I am not a chef by any means, so a frozen waffle is my go-to. But I guess in my ideal day I would have a waffle maker and enjoy the real deal. Either way - waffles for breakfast.
I always love to do a little studio tinkering while we're closed. So after breakfast I'd swing by the shop to maybe do a little kiln work, or just shift some pots around to dry. Something to make me feel organized for the next day. The afternoon would have to be spent out on the water. Nothing beats a salty swim after messing around with the heat of the kilns. I love taking the boat through the intracoastal and finding some of the more deserted spots or searching for dolphins. I love a day that ends in either a casual dinner party with some good friends, or a meal on the fancier side out with my husband. A glass of wine or a dirty martini and it's been a good day for me.
I live my ideal day most Sundays.”
That sounds like an extremely nourishing Sunday routine, and it inspires me to carve out time to take a day off for myself more often, ideally each week, to honor both my mental and physical needs while inviting more softening, gentleness, and rest into my life. I hope this inspires readers to take a day of rest once in a while, too.
QUESTION 8:
MC: “What helps you to see the good in the world?"
Jess: “I have a mantra that I say to myself frequently, 'I won't let people change how I feel about people.' I truly believe in the goodness of people. So this is my go-to mantra anytime I witness cruelty or violence in the world. On a smaller scale, it's also my mantra when someone treats me unkindly or disrespectfully. It helps remind me that one person, or one singular event, does not have the power to outweigh the overall good."
MC: “What helps you to see the good in the world?"
Jess: “I have a mantra that I say to myself frequently, 'I won't let people change how I feel about people.' I truly believe in the goodness of people. So this is my go-to mantra anytime I witness cruelty or violence in the world. On a smaller scale, it's also my mantra when someone treats me unkindly or disrespectfully. It helps remind me that one person, or one singular event, does not have the power to outweigh the overall good."
This is such an important reminder, to focus on the good and what you see with your own eyes as much as possible. Jess talks about how being around people a lot allows her to witness and remember the good found within us. It is so true, that with age and experience, comes wisdom.
QUESTION 9:
MC: “Finally, what is the best piece of advice you have ever received?"
Jess: "The water is only cold when you first jump in."
MC: “Finally, what is the best piece of advice you have ever received?"
Jess: "The water is only cold when you first jump in."
This advice from her grandfather, a metaphor for getting out of your comfort zone, has shaped who Jess is as a person, and it points out the truth of the matter that, in her words, even if you flop or make mistakes, that's better than missing out on both success or failure.
Speaking of getting out of your comfort zone, if you’d like to jump in to a new experience or sign up again, Pineapple Studios offers weekly yoga & pottery classes / workshops in beautiful Wilmington, NC. Class & workshop sign ups, plus an online pottery shop, can be found at the following link:
https://www.lovepineapplestudios.com
For further information and to explore more about Pineapple Studios, please visit Jess's Instagram and / or Facebook page: @pineapplestudios
THANK YOU SO MUCH JESS FOR SHARING YOUR TIME, WORDS, AND WISDOM, AND MANY THANKS TO THE READERS AS WELL!
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https://www.lovepineapplestudios.com
For further information and to explore more about Pineapple Studios, please visit Jess's Instagram and / or Facebook page: @pineapplestudios
THANK YOU SO MUCH JESS FOR SHARING YOUR TIME, WORDS, AND WISDOM, AND MANY THANKS TO THE READERS AS WELL!
***