There are so many wonderful artists in Vancouver. From painting to thread work to graphic design and so much more. We are lucky to be surrounded by beautiful creativity in this city. This week I would like to highlight the small business, Wildheart Wheelworks. This North Vancouver handmade pottery business was started by Hailey Hunt in 2020. She has always been a talented creative, but it wasn’t until the past few years that she took pottery more seriously. What stemmed from a high school ceramics class turned into recreational classes after work turned into her own business. She first began making pottery for friends and family. With a strong response from her connections, she realized this could be her own business.

Hailey has been painting and taking on art projects for much of her life. She certainly has a wonderful eye for pleasing patterns and colours. I have always found her work to be so refreshing and unique. Her focus on pottery has led her to create some stunning pieces. She takes the average pottery techniques and makes them fun, updated, and wonderfully distinctive. I personally was used to seeing the same beige, seafoam, or brown pottery mugs, perhaps with some speckled clay, repeatedly. There wasn’t much difference. Hailey combines her pottery skills with her painting and art background to create the most special pieces.

Hailey continues to create pottery that I have never seen before. She has whimsical, fun, west-coast-inspired collections. You will be sure to find something that speaks to you. One of her most popular collections is the Daisy collection. The classic beige speckled pottery gets upgraded with hand-painted daisies for a beautiful spring feel. I personally own a mug from this collection, and it brings me so much happiness!

Wildheart Wheelworks offers more than your average pottery mugs. Hailey has designed plant pots, plates, tumblers, bowls, soap dishes, jewelry trays, Christmas ornaments, ring holders, candles, and plant pot decorations. All her work is 100% handmade and hand-painted. You can feel the love and effort she puts into every single piece she creates. If you’re lucky, you can pick up multiple pieces from a collection. Alternatively, have fun mixing and matching from her different collections. Handmade pottery adds so much character and joy compared to average dishware.

Hailey pulls a lot of inspiration from nature for her pottery. Daisies, cow print, trees, cactuses, cheetah print, and rainbows are some of the designs she has currently created pottery pieces with. Her pieces have a nice range from more muted neutral colours to higher contrast colours. There is a piece for everyone from Wildheart Wheelworks. Like many other small business owners, this is not Hailey’s only job. She pours herself into her craft after hours and dedicates her free time to making Wildheart Wheelworks a reality.

I spoke with Hailey to learn more about her journey with Wildheart Wheelworks:

Q. Why/how did you start Wildheart Wheelworks?

Hailey: I started Wildheart Wheelworks because I have always dreamed of having my own business and sharing my art with the world.

Q. How were you inspired to create the brand/look?

Hailey: I draw a lot of inspiration from nature and bohemian style.

Q. What are you looking forward to with Wildheart Wheelworks?

Hailey: I’m looking forward to expanding my brand further and exploring different possibilities for my small business. Not to mention learning more about ceramics and growing within my craft.

Q. What is your favourite part about running a small business?

Hailey: I’d say my favourite part is creating designs and new styles. I also love interacting with like-minded people.

Q. What is something that you didn’t expect when starting your small business?

Hailey: I knew it would be hard work but I didn’t expect it to be such a non-stop 24/7 grind.

Q. Do you have any advice for people wanting to start a small business?

Hailey: My advice would be to give it your absolute all and get after it! It’s so worth it and the only thing holding you back is yourself.

Hailey currently sells her pieces at a few local North Vancouver stores. Including United Strangers Coffee and Just Plants. The list is changing so feel free to send her a direct message on Instagram to see where you can pick up her pieces locally.

You can also purchase her pottery directly via the Wildheart Wheelworks Instagram. Hailey usually posts pottery for sale in big “drops”. She posts all the pieces that are for sale with the prices on Instagram Story posts and you simply direct message her which piece you would like to buy. Send Hailey the e-transfer payment and you will be guaranteed the piece. She updates the Instagram Story posts as items get purchased. Check out Wildheart Wheelworks Instagram here.

Make sure to follow Wildheart Wheelworks to get notified of the latest drops! Things go very quickly. Pottery is a wonderful Christmas gift, and Hailey is planning for a big drop this year. We can’t wait to see what Wildheart Wheelworks has in store and we will be supporting Hailey all along the way.