Meet Sallie's Custom Clayworks
Sallie Nau, the Heart Behind Sallie's Custom Clayworks​
Sallie Nau is the creative force and founder of Sallie's Custom Clayworks, where she brings to life whimsical, handmade pottery inspired by the towering California Redwoods, the misty beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and the magical memories of her family’s forest adventures. Each piece she creates is a celebration of nature’s wonder and the quiet, soulful moments that come from exploring the wild.
​An Artist's Journey
Sallie’s journey as an artist took an unexpected and inspiring turn while she was studying Zoology at Humboldt State University (HSU). Though she once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, it was in HSU’s art department where she discovered the transformative power of clay. What began as an elective soon became a calling. She immersed herself in every ceramics course available, finding her voice and vision through the tactile rhythm of shaping earth into art.
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After graduation, Sallie took her first step into the professional ceramics world with a job at Nancy Jean Designs—just down the road from her home. Within a year, she boldly purchased the business and managed it for a decade. In 2019, driven by a longing to create truly original and expressive pieces, she sold the Seattle Porcelain Company and launched Sallie’s Custom Clayworks—a return to her deepest artistic passions.
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The road hasn’t been without its challenges. Starting a new art business during the pandemic was daunting. Art fairs shut down. Etsy’s algorithm changes cut her online sales to nearly nothing. But Sallie’s creativity never stopped. In 2020, she won first prize—and $1,000—in an international wearable art contest for her fantastical Alice in Wonderland-themed mask. That prize money funded shelves for her large oval kiln, a small but powerful symbol of resilience and resourcefulness.
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Today, Sallie works from her home studio in Washington, where she homeschools her children and crafts with intention and love. Her days are filled with clay, color, and the comforting rhythm of creation. She shares her art at outdoor markets across the state, connecting with customers whose joy and delight fuel her spirit. Sallie’s journey is one of courage, faith, and staying true to what lights her up inside.
Words of Wisdom
She encourages fellow entrepreneurs to create from the heart—not from trends—and to work with discipline and rest in balance. “Work every day except the Sabbath,” she says, “and always make what you love.”
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Super Mama and Artisan
More than just a potter, Sallie embraces her role as a Super Mama, balancing motherhood and art with grace and grit. Her work is not only beautiful—it’s a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the joy of living creatively.
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Find & Follow Sallie's Custom Clayworks
You can explore Sallie’s world of handmade magic at www.customclayworks.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/customclayworks, or follow her journey on Instagram @customclayworks.
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