Oakham Nub News has got 'Up Close' with Connie Taylor, a local artist and business woman who has crafted her way into the hearts and homes of the local community.

Connie Taylor Ceramics, based out of Victoria Hall on Oakham High Street, has been in business in Oakham for three years. Through her support of local causes, collection of unique and handmade products, and open house policy at her store and workshop, she has won the hearts of the local community.

We recently popped by for a chat, and even in the hour that we were in the shop, Connie's popularity as a steadfast member of the community was plain to see.

Not only did she have multiple visitors and friends drop in for a catch up, but one resident came bearing gifts from a recent trip to Jamaica.

She explained: "I have three kids, so I was a familiar face at the school gates, and did years of face painting locally. I also try to support local causes and love the area. I am passionate about being a part of the fabric of Oakham and Rutland."

Connie's shop is also her workshop, where residents can see the creative process from start to finish. Image credit: Nub News.

But her place as a business owner within the local community did not come easy.

Before setting up Connie Taylor Ceramics, the mum of three worked in HR for 15 years.

"I have a degree in business and HR," she said, "but I think it is hard to pick what you want to do when you are young and you know little about life. After having children - one and then a set of twins! - I found it harder to cope with corporate life, childcare costs, working part time but with full time hours as a mum."

In what would be a life changing turn of events for Connie, she was given the opportunity to take redundancy, and she took the plunge.

She said: "I decided to stay at home and look after the kids. It was isolating, as my husband travelled a lot so, when the twins started reception in 2013, I joined a pottery class on Fridays. I had never tried it, but I was hooked."

Connie took part in the workshop for 18 months, but took to the new craft quickly and was soon volunteering to support new potters as they began their own creative journeys.

"Soon, my husband cleared out the shed," she explained. "That was my first workshop."

Connie makes every day items, statement pieces and even unusual commissions, like urns for pets and people. Image credit: Nub News.

Not one to shy away from hard work, Connie did face painting at events and parties to support the pottery until it was funding itself, her small business lifting off the ground.

She added: "I did my first Christmas craft fair at Victoria Hall in 2015 and returned to the hall three more times until the Covid restrictions were lifted. Following this, I asked the team about trying to make my business work at the hall for three months."

Now Connie has been at the community venue, gallery and craft hub for three years.

In that time, she has created and sold hundreds of mugs, which are one of her most popular items, as well as wine charms, jewellery, bowls, Christmas decorations, jugs, vases and decorative items, as well as commissions for residents in and around Rutland.

She has also been an enthusiastic champion of Rachel and Jay at Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue, who just hosted their annual fundraising quiz and raised record funds to support the continued work of the rescue centre.

Connie creates hedgehog mugs, charms and more, with a cut of the proceeds going to the Rutland-based rescue.

Connie Taylor supports Prickleback Urchin Hedgehog Rescue. Image credit: Nub News.

Connie also works hard to keep her costs down and her business sustainable and affordable.

She said: "I talk to customers, I focus on creating as many affordable items as possible. Budgets have gone down, and I am mindful of the situation. I have a water butt outside to collect water and use solar power to fire the kiln, keeping my costs and so prices down and to take care of the environment. I avoid plastic packaging as much as I can and try to remain sustainable."

She continued: "I like to create items that are functional but beautiful, to be the little every day pleasures. I get a real sense of satisfaction out of people coming in having bought their 'favourite mug' here, after seeing my work in someone's home, or looking for special gifts and even being recommended by family and friends."

Connie is passionate about sustainability and the local environment. Image credit: Nub News.

She is also a big supporter of other local businesses, including Otters, where she enjoys a flat white with oat milk, and Stevey T Training. She also used to attend Catmose gym, and continues to be enthusiastic about staying fit.

She added: "The walks around Hambleton and Egleton have inspired my work. I also love Root-and-Branch Out and their passion for the outdoors."

Her passion for the local hedgehog community also inspires her work, and she has just released a new collection of hedgehog mugs - which sold out within days of release.

"I might make more," she laughed, "so watch this space."

Did you manage to bag a hedgehog mug from Connie Taylor Ceramics? Image credit: Nub News.

Connie is also looking at bringing new workshops to Rutland, and would love to launch regular pottery painting sessions in the future - so watch this space.

To stay up to date with Connie, follow Connie Taylor Ceramics on Facebook, call 07985 600063 or email [email protected], or pop in store at:

Victoria Hall

39 High Street

Oakham

Rutland

LE15 6AH

Connie creates from inspiration as well as taking on commission work. Image credit: Nub News.

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