JAW Pottery
JAW Pottery is a local Halifax shop and Nova Scotia pottery business by Jessie Wright. Her pottery features minimalist and functional designs in neutral colours. Learn more about JAW Pottery and the artist behind these beautiful pieces in our interview below.
What inspired you to start your business?
I always knew I wanted to work for myself. I grew up with parents who ran woodworking and fine craft businesses at different points in their lives, so creative self-employment was just part of the rhythm of our home. Some of my earliest memories are of markets, helping out, soaking it all in, or simply entertaining myself in the workshop while they worked. That experience shaped me, and it’s a big part of why I do what I do today.
How would you describe your business?
I started taking pottery classes in high school after a family friend opened a community pottery centre, and I absolutely fell in love. For about two years, I attended weekly evening studio sessions and couldn’t get enough. After that, life took me coast to coast, travelling, living on my own, and working a mix of jobs. About five years later, I found another community pottery class here in Halifax and signed up again. It clicked in a way no other job ever had. I was still completely obsessed.
I’d run a few small businesses before, but pottery felt different. Far more natural and grounding. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time: while working at a farmers market, I overheard a retiring potter mention they were looking to sell their studio equipment, and I jumped in. From there, everything snowballed. My partner and I bought a house, renovated the garage, and ran power to create a dedicated studio space.
At the time, I was working at a lovely café and ice cream shop with the most incredibly supportive boss, which gave me the flexibility to slowly transition into working in the studio full time.
Today, I’m predominantly a wheel-based potter, but lately I’ve been exploring slab work as a way to create new serving pieces. I work with clay bodies from Tuckers and Pottery Supply House, and I mix all my own glazes in-house.
What are your bestselling products?
Mugs have always been a bestseller, they’re the kind of everyday piece people connect with, but recently I’ve been making a lot of serving ware, especially charcuterie sets, which have been really popular. This summer, I’ve also had a wave of custom requests for my Couples Teacup Sets, which are such a sweet way to mark engagements, weddings, or anniversaries.
Why do you think they’re so popular?
The Couples Teacup Sets have become one of my most loved offerings, and for good reason. Each set is totally customizable, making them a truly personal gift for weddings, engagements, or anniversaries. Customers can request specific floral colours to match a wedding palette or reflect favourite hues, and each cup can be stamped or embossed with titles like “Mr & Mrs,” “Yours & Mine,” or any pronouns and wording that feel right for the couple.
The teacup shape itself is ultra sweet, but it’s the tiny hand-applied flowers that really make them special. I offer a few signature base colour options, but I’m always happy to create custom blends, running glaze tests to get as close as possible to the requested tones. It’s such a joy to make something meaningful that feels like them!
What’s your personal favourite product?
Definitely the Charcuterie Sets. I love snacks, and even more, I love beautifully arranged snacks. These sets make it so easy to create something that looks thoughtful and elegant without a ton of effort. The large platter, matching ramekins, and little ceramic spoon or knife bring everything together in such a satisfying way. It’s functional, fun, and a total crowd-pleaser, just like a good snack board should be.
What are your favourite local Nova Scotia business?
First, Dee Dee’s Ice Cream (a Canadian ice cream brand), hands down the best in-house made ice cream, burrito shop, and café. I worked there before launching JAW Pottery, and it was such a supportive, inspiring place to be. And then there’s LF Bakery, a French bakery that’s become a weekly must for my household. Their pastries are impossible to resist, and honestly, I don’t even try.
