Cassie Meredith is inspiring creativity in homes all around New Zealand - we wanted to get our hands on what she's got going on...
Words by Emma Stenbeck | Boni & Beck
Share
Based in Waikanae, New Zealand, Cassie Meredith spends her time in the pottery studio creating imperfectly perfect, functional pottery for the home. Handmade and bespoke little beauties that will brighten your day.
Looking to inspire creativity in her community, she began hosting pottery workshops to create a space for people to slow down and be present. From there, an extension of her mission came to life: The Clay Kit - a way to bring creativity directly into people’s homes. Cassie believes the possibilities are endless when working with clay - noting that research indicates even just a short amount of creative time can have a meaningful impact on your wellbeing.
Read on to hear more about the inspiration behind CM Pottery, advice from Cassie, her latest recommendations & why you need to get your hands on some clay...straight away! Follow along to see all of Cassie’s clay creation inspiration on the CM Pottery IG.
CASSIE MEREDITH | CM POTTERY
When did you first discover pottery? Does the creator/entrepreneur gene run in your family or did you catch the bug later in life?
I decided to take a 6 week pottery wheel course in 2020. I used clay at high school and remembered how much I'd enjoyed it. I was looking for something creative, life was busy with young kids but I needed a hobby.
Creativity runs in my family, my dad was a sign writer and artist, my mum was a teacher and she's always been a sewer. It was normal to have lots of handmade things around our home. My siblings are both talented with art and music. It took me a bit longer to discover my creativity.
A CM POTTERY WORKSHOP - Galentine's Day Picnic
You're sitting down to create - what does your routine and studio vibe look like?
I'm a morning person! Nothing I like more than to start my day walking the dog then home to the studio with a big cup of coffee, a podcast (many faves but currently loving The Curve!) and a list of what I want to achieve. Making days are my favourite, a morning on the wheel and usually some glazing and admin later on. I wish everyday was like that!
What's your favourite thing to create with clay?
I like to make functional pottery, I like to use what I make. Cups are probably my favourite!
When did the idea first spark to create something to introduce others to pottery at home?
The Clay Kits were born after hosting creative pottery workshops for a couple of years. I saw how much people enjoyed being creative but more than that, I recognised the need for creativity and the need to unwind from our busy lives. I saw the benefits and thought I want to inspire as many people to try this.
What do you say to people who are convinced they're not creative?
Just try! Let go of perfectionism and just enjoy the process. 9 times out of 10 people surprise themselves. My kits make it very easy.
The mental health benefits to working with your hands seem to be endless - can you tell us what you know about this?
I could talk about this for hours. I am my target audience - I am busy, I am busy with a career, with kids, with general life admin. I know how beneficial doing something creative is, even for a small amount of time. I watch people in my workshops, shoulders drop, they slow down, they focus and they are always smiling at the end. It's so satisfying to make something from a ball of clay.
You've showcased some great ideas of what people could make with The Clay Kit on your socials - can you share some examples with us here?
Yeah I love to show people really easy but effective clay makes. Some favourites have been candle holders, egg holders, jewellery trays and fridge magnets. Honestly I have so many ideas all the time!
Tell us more about the advantages of air dry clay and the low tox sealant in your kits?
Air dry clay is so satisfying as you can make something on Thursday and have it dry and painted and showing it off by Sunday! No kiln required. My kits are low tox, we use plant based paints so they are safe and suitable for anyone.
What is your favourite thing about running your own business? And then of course - what about it do you find to be the most challenging?
I've been learning as I go along in terms of business and marketing, it can be challenging wearing all the hats. The designer, the maker, website updater, packer, networked, accountant etc it can be a lot. It's also very rewarding building a business from an idea. It's hard to prioritise, it's also been a challenge to plan so far ahead. The first couple of years I really winged it, then I realised I needed to have a plan for the year otherwise I'd always be chasing my tail. Now I plan the year ahead in terms of my goals and I plan social media months ahead. I'm always changing things up but at least I have some structure.
What's one productivity tip/hack you use to get through your to dos on the daily.
Lists, lists & lists. I'm an organised planner but when life gets overwhelming I just write daily/weekly lists. It works for me.
Who inspires you?
So many things! The world around me. I take ideas from nature, from interior design from colours and textures I like.
Best advice you've received, either in life or business?
Oooh that's a tough one, I've collected a lot of advice nuggets along the way. I'd have to say one stands out. A friend of mine told me to always be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire. I love that!
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don't wait till you are ready as you'll never be fully ready. You can improve ideas along the way but taking the leap is the most important step.
Where would we find you when you're not creating with clay?
I walk a lot, I have a favourite walk from my place up a lovely road that feels very much like a welsh countryside walk. I hit the gym or pilates a few times a week. Or curled up reading at home - once all the housework is done!
What's your favourite self-care ritual at the moment?
Have a gorgeous hand cream with me all the time. I get really dry hands from working with clay, especially in the winter. I like to buy really nice hand creams and take a moment a few times a day to stop and put my beautiful hand cream on. Currently enjoying peony & petitgrain The Aromatherapy Co.
What are you reading at the moment?
I have been bingeing Abby Jimenez books, all very good easy going reads. Before that Kristen Hannah, life changing books! But just now started Jojo Moyes "we all live here."
Your workshops would most certainly pass on that creative buzz... do you have any new ones coming up?
I had an amazing response to a collaboration workshop I did in Wellington with Lekkie Hair clips. We chose a really cool venue "Eva's Garage " and we painted cute pottery accessories dishes, everyone got a hair claw and a hand-painted dish to keep it in.
We have two new workshops coming up: 'Sunday Mug Club ~ Pottery Painting' on the 26th of April 2026 and 'Clay, Sip & Social: Mug Making Night' on the 8th of May. Check out CM Pottery for tickets..
Favourite Brunch/Coffee Spot - of course we need to ask that one - it's Brunch with Boni & Beck!
A have a few firm faves but The Roastery and Custard Pie do amazing coffees. Our local Olde Beach bakery hits the spot for Sunday pastries.
And finally... can CHAT GPT make pottery yet?
Haha give it time!
What can we expect next from CM Pottery?
Watch this space...
Since our chat CM Pottery have launched their amazing new MINI Clay Kits and you can shop them right here on Boni & Beck.
These articles are written by us at Boni & Beck. They are not sponsored or paid ads. Our aim is to bring back clean content that isn’t a disguised ad and isn't AI generated text. (If we have ads on our website now or in future you will be able to tell because they will look exactly like ads).
Our latest list of audio options to stop a meltdown, bring on ZZZs, teach boundaries, or just give you a moment of brain space. We love a good parenting rec,...
Our latest list of audio options to stop a meltdown, bring on ZZZs, teach boundaries, or just give you a moment of brain space. We love a good parenting rec,...
