We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gabrielle Hakes. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Gabrielle , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Oh absolutely! Maybe I’m overly cautious, but I only take steps forward when I know I’m READY for those steps, it’s big tortoise energy over here. I can understand why acting fast can seem like a good idea, jumping on something before other people get to it sounds really exciting and could be a huge payoff! But the truth is that you’re never the first one to do anything, and it you’re not set up to deliver on the cool new thing you just jumped on, it can actually damage your business. There’s a lot to learn from the people who are already doing what you want to do, and making well researched, intentional moves will absolutely pay off in the long run.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gabrielle Hakes, and I’m the Owner and Potter behind Hakes and Co, an artisan home-goods company. I make functional pottery in my garage studio, and sell it online and at the occasional vendor market! When I say functional pottery, I mean that I put a lot of thought into how the pieces I’m making will be used in the real world. I want to make sure each design feels good to use and actually functions as intended without any weird or annoying quirks. That’s not to say I don’t make quirky pieces, I have some super fun and silly sculptural pieces that I create seasonally as well! However, I think that part of the beauty of handmade art is the thought and care that goes into each piece, and I want you to be able to feel that when you’re interacting with my work.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I could come up with a lot of answers to this question, but ultimately I think it all boils down to one thing, shame.
Shame makes people turn in on themselves, they stop reaching out to others, they tell themselves stories about what’s happening around them, it’s the biggest obstacle to vulnerability, which is the ultimate connector between humans. Therefore stepping through that shame and getting back to vulnerability is how you build and restore relationships of all kinds. It doesn’t work immediately, but it’s a roadmap back to connection.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear of the unknown is absolutely my biggest road block. I have a really hard time functioning without a plan, or at least some sort of understanding of what to expect, to the point where I just don’t leave my house a lot of the time. Of course that means I’m missing out on tons of opportunities for fun and connection with new people, and I would probably be farther along in my career if I’d been bumping elbows!
I’ve found a nifty hack though. I’ve become great at hosting events, as planning them allows me to have the security I need to relax and be social. One of the things I’m most looking forward to with growing my business is the opportunity to create a community space and host fun events in the future.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I prefer not to speculate, so I asked! Quite a few of them said authenticity, which makes me so happy because YES that is one of my biggest values. I always want the people around me to be comfortable enough to show up as they are, to do what makes them happy and walk a path that’s true to their hearts. I feel it’s the quickest way to get to what I think we all want, which is connection and community with those around us. If you’re truly being your authentic self, you’re going to attract people who are into that instead of trying to fit into what you think the people around you want you to be, which in my personal experience doesn’t make ANYONE feel connected or happy. Ultimately this goes back to my beliefs about shame and vulnerability, but it makes me so happy to hear that I’m living those beliefs enough for my friends to say that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I definitely wasn’t told to do this, there were actually a lot of people checking me and making sure I was sure because it’s definitely not a path any of them would’ve chosen to trek! I do feel like I was born to do this. It feels so natural and special to create beautiful, functional pieces that spark a light in peoples eyes. That’s not to say that there’s not challenges, obviously. Every day there’s something new to learn and get better at, but I’m having the most fun doing it and I’ve never felt more at peace with the direction I’m headed in my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hakesandco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabriellehakes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hakesandco
