House of Coco had the pleasure of sitting down with Lesley Boerio, the brilliant founder behind L&Clay Ceramics. With a background in fashion and e-commerce spanning nearly two decades, Lesley has seamlessly transitioned into the world of ceramics, creating a brand that is both bold and deeply personal. Her journey, marked by resilience and a newfound passion for clay, offers a rich tapestry of inspiration and creativity.
In this interview, Lesley opens up about her experiences, from the challenges of workplace bullying to the joy of discovering ceramics. She shares how her professional expertise has informed her entrepreneurial journey, blending marketing savvy with artistic expression to build L&Clay Ceramics. Lesley’s work is celebrated for its imperfections, vibrant colours and the unique integration of text, reflecting her love for words and music.
Join us as we explore Lesley Boerio’s fascinating story, her creative process and the future of L&Clay Ceramics. This is a tale of transformation, passion, and the power of handmade art, offering a glimpse into the life of a remarkable artist and entrepreneur…
What initially sparked your interest in ceramics and led you to establish L&Clay Ceramics?
I’ve been working in fashion and e-commerce for almost 18 years. While many of those years were enjoyable and successful, I was bullied out of two jobs in a row and was left with PTSD from workplace bullying. It was the darkest time of my life. After this experience, I was offered a freelance role, which gave me more flexible hours. This allowed me to take a ceramics class every Friday morning. I utterly loved it, and it sparked a passion in me that I hadn’t felt for years. I’m now a member of that same studio and can easily spend 10 hours there making work. Creating my brand felt like a very natural step.
With your background in e-commerce and marketing, how do you merge your expertise with your passion for ceramics to create a successful brand like L&Clay?
For years, I’ve helped other designers and brands with their e-commerce, online sales, and digital marketing. There was always a niggling voice in my mind saying, “I’d love to do this for myself,” but I always needed a product. Now I have one—my own ceramics. It feels like everything has fallen into place. I’ve been able to set up my own website, manage the SEO, and start building a database for my email marketing, using all my expertise in the field of e-commerce but now for my own creations.
Your pieces are described as bold and striking. What inspires the designs and motifs you incorporate into your ceramic creations?
I’ve always loved words and text in art, from posters and logos to the paintings of Rose Wylie, and color was always going to factor greatly. I found myself turning to lyrics to always have something written on my work, and I love the idea of someone seeing one of my pieces and finding a deeper meaning with the words.
Can you walk us through your creative process from idea conception to the finished product? How do you bring your visions to life?
I always sketch my ideas and get them down on paper for fear of forgetting them. I find that just hearing a song or seeing someone in a colorful outfit will spark an idea. Then I quickly move into the studio and start making. I’m not fussed about the piece being an exact representation of the drawing. Clay has a way of going in its own direction. I never move far away from the initial idea, however, and once it’s in my mind, I won’t deviate or change anything. After the bisque firing, I add underglaze, which is becoming my favorite part of the process, adding in color and all of the details. Then I cover the piece in transparent glaze that adds the shine, and it goes into the kiln once again. You can’t get too hopeful about the end result, as you can never really predict what will happen in both firings—it’s always a bit of a surprise.
Handmade ceramics often celebrate imperfections and uniqueness. How do these qualities influence the identity and aesthetic of L&Clay Ceramics?
When I first started ceramics, I realised that you have to let go of trying to make things look perfect. I think that was a good lesson for me, and I was able to shake off my ideals of what a perfect vase would look like. I embrace the marks left in the clay and the wobbly nature of some pieces. Not all my letters will be even and straight, and not all the edges are completely smooth, and I love that. It needs to look tactile and handmade.
What challenges have you encountered along your journey of establishing and growing L&Clay Ceramics, and how have you overcome them?
Just getting the brand name out there is a work in progress. I want people to recognize my style and for it to become a “must-have” item. My trinket trays are the current bestseller, and I love the fact that people have purchased one of them for their home. It’s such a compliment. There’s so much more marketing I can do, and I take it step by step.
Text and ceramics are fused in your work. Could you share some insights into how you integrate text into your ceramic pieces and the significance behind it?
I remember the first time I saw the sweaters made by Bella Freud. It was a picture of Kate Moss wearing a black jumper with white text on the front, and I just fell in love with it. As soon as I started making my own work in ceramics, I knew that words would be a main feature. I’m inspired by song lyrics and like to choose a sentence from a song that might not be the most obvious.
Your ceramics make colourful statements in any home. How do you approach colour selection and experimentation in your designs?
No colour is off the table. I love to choose two or three that might not always be seen together and combine them. It’s the easiest part of the design process for me.
As an artist and entrepreneur, how do you balance the creative aspects of your work with the business side of running L&Clay Ceramics?
I have to make sure that at least one morning is dedicated to the business side. I’m very organized, and I know how important admin, replying to emails, and sticking to deadlines are. Two days a week, I am in the studio, which is obviously the best part, and I relish my time there.
Collaboration is often a powerful tool in the creative industry. Have you collaborated with any other artists or brands? If not, is it something you’re interested in exploring?
I haven’t collaborated yet with any artists or brands, but I would absolutely love to. I can see my pieces working really well for multiple companies that might want to do special editions or celebratory pieces outside of their usual range. The dream for me would be working with Diptyque, creating a candle holder for them or something similar.
Sustainability is increasingly important in the world of design. How does L&Clay Ceramics prioritise sustainability in its production processes and materials?
My studio is a co-op and a shared space, run by Tatiana and Ana Baskakova. Their dedication to sustainability is unprecedented. They recycle all of the clay, so even a dry scrap will be used again. The kilns are electric, and we have a big focus on re-using packaging. We also have a “free” box, so if there’s a piece you’ve made that you really don’t like, it goes in this box for someone else to have instead of being destroyed and thrown away.
Can you share any memorable moments or milestones from your journey with L&Clay Ceramics that have left a lasting impact on you?
Being invited to showcase my work in British Vogue has been huge as I’m such a fan of the magazine, and I’ve been accepted to sell my work through some of the top homeware websites of the moment, like Holly and Co, The Oblist, and Glassette. It’s genuinely such an honor to have such valued companies see my work and like it.
What advice would you give to aspiring ceramic artists or entrepreneurs looking to pursue their creative passions and start their own businesses?
If you love it, just do it. Don’t let fear get the better of you and don’t overthink it.
Social media has become a powerful tool for artists and designers to showcase their work. How do you utilise social platforms to connect with your audience and showcase L&Clay Ceramics?
Instagram is the front runner for me, being of a certain generation, and I’m only just getting used to reels! I learned a lot of tips from my time at Sophia Webster, as Instagram was such a huge focus for her at that time. I understand the mix of content that works: product imagery, lifestyle pictures, and not being scared to show behind-the-scenes and the “real life” behind the glossy images. I’ve also found a fantastic ceramics community on Instagram where artists really support and congratulate each other on successes and career milestones.
In what ways do you see L&Clay Ceramics evolving in the future? Are there any new techniques or styles you’re excited to explore?
I’d love to branch out to embroidery and clothing—with the L&Clay touch, of course. I’d have a huge set of new skills to learn, but I do think they would all work really well together.
Lesley, could you share any behind-the-scenes insights into your studio space and creative environment? How does your workspace influence your creative process?
It’s my favorite place in London—a shared space that is calm and supportive. I’ve not questioned my work or been embarrassed to create exactly what is in my mind. It’s been so freeing. I know whatever I create will be enjoyed and celebrated, even though it’s vastly different from anyone else’s work.
Your career has spanned various industries. How has your diverse background influenced your approach to ceramics and entrepreneurship?
I think I’ve just learned a lot, from teamwork to how to really communicate with customers and clients effectively, as well as the complexities of running a business. Above all, I know to treat everyone with kindness, and I will continue to do that all of the time.
Our readers love to travel; what destination is at the top of your bucket list?
I’ve just got back from Lake Bled in Slovenia, which I would recommend to everyone! Next on the list is the Amalfi Coast and Seville!
Looking back since launching the brand, is there anything you would do differently?
Nothing at all. It’s very early stages, and I’m enjoying every step. It’s a journey, and I’m in it for the long term.
Finally, what do you hope people feel or experience when they interact with L&Clay Ceramics products? What impression do you want your brand to leave on the world?
I’d love people to see the humor in my work. My hope is that no matter how bad your day may be, you can walk past one of my pieces in your home, and it will make you smile.
For those looking to explore more captivating stories and interviews with inspiring creators, make sure to delve into the treasure trove of content available at House of Coco. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes glimpses into the lives of talented artists and entrepreneurs who are making waves in the creative industry.
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