Meet Jaclyn Pacheco | Potter & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jaclyn Pacheco and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jaclyn, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Rhode Island and have always felt a deep connection to making things by hand. I believe the concept was cultivated at a very young age, when watching my grandmother repair clothing and her encouraging me to sew buttons onto scraps of denim while she mended. I was so inspired by sorting through her big tin of buttons to choose my favorites and make different compositions on my fabric scraps.

Throughout my childhood I attended creativity-based summer camps and enjoyed regular trips to our local art supply store and gallery. My exposure to different artistic mediums while growing up led me to pursue a BFA in textile design from the College of Visual and Performing Arts at UMass Dartmouth.

Fast forward 20 years, having graduated college and built up a successful career as a textile and softgoods product designer working for manufacturers, I found myself relocating to Arizona. It was this move that afforded me the opportunity to work for myself finally, making consumer goods that were 100% my own vision.

I had sporadic experience with ceramics throughout school but it wasn’t until I had the time to dedicate to building my skills in the material that I really fell in love with it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have always been drawn to everyday items that are well designed and high quality and I try to achieve that in everything I make. It is important to me that my pottery have a lasting quality but not be viewed as precious; I want the pieces I make to be used often and enjoyed. Particularly when making coffee mugs which can be such a nice ritual for the user; you are interacting really closely with the piece and I want those interactions to be wonderful for my customers.

In my previous career working for large scale manufacturers, I learned invaluable skills that I use every single day for my pottery business. These include making mood boards and color palettes, collection planning, budget tracking, working with retail buyers and hands-on research and development of new clay ideas and surface designs.

My business is still fairly young and has much room to scale up but from the very start I have operated as if it is a large scale, mature company. This mindset helps me remember that sustainable growth may need to be slow and to focus on my own progress, not the progress of other makers I encounter. Because this is my second career, I am long past the days of wanting to pay my dues and hustle until I burn myself out so I always want to make sure that I am running the business, the business doesn’t run me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For me, a week in Tucson is going to focus on eating and drinking, local shopping and spending time in nature.

To start my day, I’m going to want a Mesquite cold brew coffee from Exo Roasters. The Simpson St. location is located in a restored adobe house and is my favorite. It’s the perfect vibe for hanging out to sketch or read while you caffeinate. (Also, we’ll be sure to stop back in the evening for a cocktail called the Ranch Oak when they turn over to Bar Crisol after dark.)

Other favorite coffee shops are Presta Coffee (the best fun, seasonal drinks) and Decibel Coffee Works (get the gluten-free chocolate chip cookie!)

My number one comfort food spot is Tumerico or La Chaiteria. I’m ordering the Frida Kahlo tostadas which feature huitlacoche; a corn fungus considered to be a delicacy. It might take a little faith but the chef/owner of these vegan restaurants is recognized by the James Beard Foundation so even if you’re not vegan, you’ll love them.

If I want finer dining, I’m making a reservation at Tito & Pep (and will insist we order the Sea of Cortez Shrimp with masa dumplings).

For a quick afternoon taco, I’m taking us to taqueria Aqui Con El Nene (their salsa bar is unrivaled IMHO).

When we’re ready to get outside, I suggest heading to Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens and Galleries. The property has meandering walking paths throughout and is always peaceful. Be sure to look for the desert tortoises and make a stop at my personal favorite, the Succulent Ramada. There are also multiple gift shops, a greenhouse and a restaurant on the property.

Yume Japanese Gardens is another favorite spot. They are only open during the cooler seasons and be sure to check their special events calendar for activities such as a traditional matcha tea ceremony.

When you’re ready to shop local, head to Arizona Poppy Shop for the best of what Tucson makers and designers have to offer (make sure to get a bundle of their iconic house-made vetiver incense).

For the best smelling candles and an amazing assortment of all your favorite brands that you follow on social media, you’ll want to stop at Di Luna Candles. This shop is owned by a member of the Tucson maker community and supports and features other local makers alongside their hand-poured candles.

If you want extremely cool and high quality items for your home, check out Arid Lands at the Mercado San Augustin.

Finally, if time allows I can’t recommend highly enough to make a day trip just an hour or so south of Tucson to Arizona wine country. The landscape is breathtaking and the temps are almost always several degrees cooler.
Favorites spots are The Meading Room (mead made from local honey) and Rune Vineyards in Sonoita. If you’re making the trip on a weekend, you won’t want to miss the Queen of Cups tasting room in Patagonia for wine and snacks!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Soon after moving to Arizona, I started attending the Tucson Clay Co-op and found it to be the most supportive environment for where I was at emotionally; having left my longtime career and attempting to forge a path forward on my own. It is truly a safe space for anyone wanting to push themselves creatively and really build their relationship to clay.

Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the general creative community in Tucson. There are so many wonderful makers who are wholeheartedly welcoming of new people and willing to share knowledge and resources and spread the word about your endeavor in any way that can be supportive. We truly believe you should build shorter fences and longer tables.

Website: www.studiokatagami.com

Instagram: @studio.katagami

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jaclyn-pacheco