The Keepsakes Story
Karen Kestler - Owner
The idea for KeepSakes Pottery Playhouse followed a mother / daughter trip to Florida in November of 2006. My daughter Liz, who was living in Jacksonville Fla. at the time, had told me about a cute little shop she had been going to for pottery painting. During our drive from Goldsboro to Jacksonville I mentioned the shop to my step-daughter and travel companion Stacey. Crafters at heart, plus a life long love of pottery, we knew we wanted try out our painting skills.
Once in the door of the pottery shop we were hooked. We had so much fun that we postponed our trip home. We wanted to paint more pottery. Afterward, Stacey and I talked of little else but a pottery studio in Goldsboro. The next week I found myself at the library checking out books about pottery. Sensing my enthusiasm, Joe (my wonderful husband) asked if I would be interested in opening a pottery studio. Without hesitation I said YES! The shop next door to Joe’s restaurant, Bonfire’s Tortilla Bar, was vacant. and we loved the idea of working so close to one another. In December we signed the lease and began work to open in March of 2007. The rest is history in the making.
Joe and I are extremely blessed. We have five incredible kids, live in a wonderful community, and are both able to make a living doing what we love.
UPDATE:
KeepSakes will soon be celebrating our fourth anniversary. The pottery shop continues to be a wonderful adventure. I have received many unforeseen blessings since I opened the shop. I have made countless new friends and seen many friendships develop amongst my customers, I have witnessed the excitement of painters; young or old, experienced or first timers when they pick up a piece of pottery they have created for someone they love or friend’s special occasion. Its no wonder pottery has been treasured for thousands of years, every piece is a reflection of the artisan who shaped, molded and/or painted it. The big round silver boxes found in my back room have always reminded me of a special gift on Christmas morning. Always full with love and excitement for whomever receives the treasures inside.