We recently had the chance to connect with Nesreen Alawami and have shared our conversation below.
Nesreen, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Working on my pottery and having mud on my hands
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nesreen Alawami, and I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia. After high school, I moved to the United States to pursue my education, and I later earned a Master of Arts in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston. As a medical speech-language pathologist, I specialize in working with head and neck cancer survivors, helping them regain their ability to communicate and swallow.
Beyond my professional life, I have a deep passion for the arts, particularly pottery. I’ve been captivated by ceramics since I was around 10 years old, and my journey into pottery truly began nearly 15 years ago when my wife gifted me a card for a 10-session pottery class. That simple gesture sparked a lifelong passion that has since become a key part of my life. Today, I share an art studio at Hardy & Nance Studios with my wife, who is a talented painter and photographer.
Travel is another great love of mine, and I cherish exploring new places and cultures. My wife and I recently returned from an unforgettable trip to Egypt and Morocco. We were mesmerized by the ancient wonders of the pyramids and the experience of sailing on the Nile. Morocco’s vibrant markets and delicious food were also highlights, leaving us with memories of rich colors, incredible flavors, and unique sights.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I would say my wife is my greatest source of support, both professionally and personally. When I’m having a tough day, she’s the first person I want to call and talk things through with. And when something great happens, she’s the first person I want to share the news with.
She has taught me to believe in myself in ways no one else has. Whenever I’m being hard on myself, she’s there to remind me of my strengths. She’s also the one who calls me beautiful, even on days when I can’t see it myself except, of course, for the mornings when my curls are out of control, when she refers to me as me “Bozo.”
I’m incredibly grateful to have had her by my side for over 30 years. We celebrated our 29th anniversary earlier this year, and of those 30 years, we’ve been married for 10, since marriage equality was legalized nationwide.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I would say the most challenging experience has been not having my family in my life. When I came out, I misjudged their reaction. I had always been very close to my siblings, so I thought they’d be supportive, but instead, I was essentially disowned by most of them. Fortunately, I still have one sibling who stays in touch, and my cousins have been nothing short of amazing. They’ve shown my wife and me the true meaning of love and acceptance, embracing us both fully.
Choosing to be with my wife meant losing the majority of my family, but I’ve come to believe that family isn’t always defined by blood. Your chosen family can be even more powerful because it’s built on mutual love and respect.
Through this journey, I’ve found healing in the company of the friends and chosen family who love me for who I am, and that has been a source of strength and resilience.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
The world we live in is far from just. It’s our responsibility to seek and fight for justice especially for those who cannot fight for themselves. My heart aches when I read about the pain and suffering caused by war and injustice in our broken world. I choose to stand with those who are helpless and to speak up for those others overlook or ignore.
I believe that being able to engage in calm, respectful conversations about difficult or controversial topics is an essential part of being a good human being. Our differences whether in language, skin color, traditions, or beliefs are what make us beautifully unique. The cycle of hate needs to end, and it begins with each one of us choosing compassion over division.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
This is my motto, one my father instilled in me from a young age: always give it your all. It’s one of my greatest strengths, though at times it can also be a weakness. I approach every project with enthusiasm and won’t rest until I’ve completed it to my satisfaction. I’m detail-oriented and take pride in perfecting the execution.
I bring the same mindset to my professional life. I strive to give my best to every patient, whether they recognize it or not. At the heart of my work is a simple belief: treat others the way you would want to be treated.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @nessyslp
- Facebook: Pottery by Nesreen
Image Credits
The wedding pictures are taken by my friend, Patricia Torres Gonzalez.
The other pictures are taken by myself or my spouse, Noelia Flores.
