Photography Gina Fabish
From a farm in South Taranaki, Courtney Pryce sits at her wheel, dreaming up new products to add to her ever-growing collection of pottery. The agriculturalist-turned-business owner is a fan-favourite vendor on Shop Your Home and Garden, our online furniture and homeware marketplace, as her unique pieces are equally nostalgic and timeless for a well-accessorised home. From butter dishes to salt and pepper shakers, her ceramic pieces take up plenty of real estate on our wishlists.
Tell us about the beginnings of Magnolia Lane & Co.
Courtney Pryce: It was established as a leap towards something that was just for me. I grew up on a dairy farm and loved working on the land and being with the animals, so I went to university and gained a degree in agriculture. After spending six years working at our local veterinary clinic, I felt drawn to something different, something creative.
Once I came across a kiln for sale, I took the opportunity to teach myself pottery. As I started learning and creating ceramics in my spare time, it became a dream to have my own pottery business. My studio is on my parents’ farm, so I can create while also interacting with the animals – it’s the best of both worlds.
Is there a story behind your business name?
CP: My wonderful, supportive parents live on a property called Magnolia Lane, which is named for the lanes lined with magnolia trees throughout the block. My parents have created their home on this land and I will soon be moving my studio space here too. My parents are so involved in my business. My dad has been dubbed the ‘kiln boss’ as he’s amazing at turning the kiln on and off at all hours of the day – it felt gratifying to name my brand Magnolia Lane & Co. to encompass all the work involved behind the scenes.
Have you always been creative, or in a creative industry?
CP: I’ve always been creative, but never in a creative industry. I still can’t believe what I have achieved so far and am so grateful I get to sit behind the wheel and create every day.
Describe a typical day for you in the studio.
CP: My day starts around 6 am having a coffee with my partner before he heads out on the farm and I’m off to the pottery shed. I generally spend the first half of my day packing orders, doing admin, glazing and loading and unpacking the kiln.
My afternoons are spent on the wheel creating and filling orders. Fridays are always my creative days, my time to create and test new products that I have been dreaming up throughout the week.
Your products, particularly the salt pig, have been such favourites on Shop Your Home and Garden. Where do you find the inspiration for your unique pieces?
CP: I love to play around mixing shapes that I’ve used previously. The salt pig came about after I’d made two condiment bowls and decided to stick them together to see if I could create something new. Instantly, it took me back to my childhood, sitting on my nana’s bench and playing with her terracotta salt pig.
What has been your biggest challenge as a maker/creator/business owner?
CP: My biggest challenge was juggling full-time work while starting the business during the very little spare time I had. As Magnolia Lane & Co grew, I knew I was at a crossroads. Making ceramics was incredibly fulfilling, but the idea of giving up my salary and taking control of my income was nerve-wracking.
Looking back now, I’m so proud I took the leap and drove the business to where it is today. For anyone else deciding whether or not to leap, consider what makes you happy and give it a go. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you don’t try.
Do you have a favourite piece in your collection?
CP: My favourite piece is a labour of love, that’s for sure. The wine tumbler is so beautiful but is one of the hardest to make. The rim is pinched to create the wavy shape, then each dot is hand-pipped and individually attached. I love taking something so simple and turning it into something so beautiful.
What is your advice to anyone eager to sit behind the wheel for the first time?
CP: Do it. You will instantly become addicted.
Text Katie Delany Photography Gina Fabish
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