This might surprise you, but when I launched Palinopsia back in 2020, it was purely an ecommerce venture. Fast forward to today, and we’ve evolved far beyond that. My original plan was to create beautiful handmade ceramics and sell them online, but I quickly realised something was missing—personal connection. The ecommerce model, while practical, felt disconnected from my approach to people, customer service, and sales. Over time, I learned just how crucial connection and community would become to our business. So, just two months after launching, I opened a pop-up shop on Hunter Street.

"Palinopsia is as much a product of our community as it is of my hands."

In those early days, I had trestle tables, a few plants, and stacks of ceramics. I was mostly hoping for the best—and people showed up! Many of our original customers are still with us today. The real-time feedback, the genuine interactions, and the shared stories created something bigger than just a transaction - the impression stayed. For my customers, they connected with the origins of their new ceramic pieces, gaining insight into the story behind each item. For me, I learned what mattered to them—what they valued and appreciated. It became this beautiful, mutual exchange of knowledge and insight that’s been key to shaping the direction of Palinopsia. Our first store was short-lived—just four months—but that little pop-up proved to be the spark that changed everything. 

Three months later, I found a new and permanent space on Darby Street. I rolled up my sleeves, gave the shop a facelift, and opened the doors to what is now our cozy ceramic-filled Newcastle store. I never looked back. This was the turning point where I knew Palinopsia was no longer just an online business—it was a place where people could wander in, have a chat, and walk out with something truly special.

Of course, launching a business at the start of a pandemic was a challenge, but I’ll skip that part—it's been said by so many already. What I’d rather talk about are the product challenges. When I started, I focused heavily on full dinner sets that were of high quality, colourful and handmade, but soon learned my customers wanted something else.

"Our colourful plates and bowls are still the personality of our business—I just have more ways of offering our designs to a broader market."

As spending habits shifted with the economic changes, I realised I had some major gaps in my offering—like no mugs or cups in the early days! That was a massive oversight, especially since Palinopsia mugs are now our most gifted items. People were also asking for smaller, stackable pieces like trinket dishes, breakfast bowls, mezze plates, and dipping bowls. It was hearing this feedback firsthand in-store that made the difference, and I returned to the studio to design and incorporate exactly the shapes they were looking for into our collections.

Today, those small, functional pieces are our best-sellers, and I make sure that whether it’s a $32 handmade mug or a $169 serving bowl, every piece offers the same level of satisfaction and craftsmanship. I was able to adjust without changing the creative direction; our colourful plates and bowls are still the personality of our business—I just have more ways of offering our designs to a broader market.

"We don’t skip steps, there’s nothing fast about our process, and I think that’s reflected in the results."

Word of Mouth Wonders: How Our Community Keeps Us Growing

I’ve always believed that word of mouth is a cornerstone of business growth, and it’s been true for Palinopsia. Every genuine, meaningful interaction I’ve had with a customer in our Newcastle ceramic store has led to wonderful new opportunities. Palinopsia has grown in ways I never imagined, all thanks to the lovely people who’ve stepped through our doors, picked up a piece, and spread the word. So really, Palinopsia is as much a product of our community as it is of my hands. Our customers have played a huge role in helping us grow, and I’m so grateful for their ongoing support.

At Palinopsia, we do things differently. Our handmade ceramics are made slowly, with great care. Every piece is carefully shaped and fired hot and slowly in a way that ensures longevity and quality. We don’t skip steps, there’s nothing fast about our process, and I think that’s reflected in the results. The same approach has guided the way I’ve run the business—over the past four years, there have been plenty of trials, errors, and disappointments. But just like firing the perfect piece, it’s all about finding the right balance of elements—timing, heat, patience, and the right flow. 

As we move into our fifth year, I feel just as excited as our customers about where Palinopsia is heading. This journey has taught me a lot about surrender—understanding that I’m not always in control of life’s events. As Michael Singer so beautifully puts it, fighting what’s being asked of us is like swimming against the current. Instead, I’ve learned to let go of personal preferences, trust the flow of where this business wants to go, and appreciate the view along the way.

"This journey has taught me a lot about surrender—understanding that I’m not always in control of life’s events."

I’m incredibly proud of the community and partnerships we’ve built—from hatted restaurants to beloved local bars and our Newcastle ceramics store. This year, partnering with real estate agents across Newcastle and Sydney to create bespoke ceramic gift boxes for homebuyers has been another highlight. It’s humbling to know that Palinopsia ceramics have become a part of such special milestone moments. Designers, builders, event stylists, boutique tea wholesalers - our diverse customer list is both thrilling and exciting! 

So, what’s next? Two new collections are already in the works, venturing into exciting new product categories. And with fresh collaborations on the horizon, perhaps another pop-up store? Watch this space! The first four years were all about laying the foundation; now, it’s time to spread our wings and explore the incredible opportunities waiting just around the corner.

"I’ve learned to let go of personal preferences, trust the flow of where this business wants to go, and appreciate the view along the way."

Here’s to many more colourful mugs, deeper connections, and new adventures in ceramics. Thank you for being part of this journey with us! Now, who's for cake? 

Photography by Jess Porter

Cake Captured on our Maya Serving Bowl Large

Cake served on Pollock Lunch Plates 

The Flotilla Menu featuring our Marble Collection; Photography by David Griffen