Our Olla Story
We are Karen & Matt, a husband and wife team producing handcrafted Ollas in Menasha, WI.
Our Olla story began several years ago as Matt’s vegetable garden was expanding, and as Karen, a then part-time potter, learned about Ollas ( . . . Actually she thought she invented them! She soon learned that people have been making and using Ollas for thousands of years.) Karen quickly became fascinated by these simple clay vessels, and, after some experimenting, she made some for our garden and a few for her Etsy shop. |
We were immediately blown away by the Ollas and by the interest in them. It was for good reason . . . they work! In our view, ollas are as brilliant as they are simple. Porous clay vessels planted around the garden and filled with water. Plants' roots find and surround the Ollas, drawing water through the walls of the pots as needed. Karen began reading everything she could find on Ollas, learning that these simple, ancient vessels are among the most efficient watering systems known - even today. They've been proven to reduce water usage by up to 70%, approach near 100% water efficiency, reduce weeds, and encourage stronger roots systems. (More information) What could be better? |
In the mean time, the business went from part-time to full-time and things got really busy! Karen began dividing her time between making Ollas and making tableware, and recruited Matt to help with packing, shipping, and general trouble shooting.
Then, in 2019, Matt retired from his ‘day-job’ and jumped into Olla-making with both feet! Today, Matt has perfected a custom Terracotta slurry for our Ollas and has worked out a process for consistently making the quality Ollas we sell today.
Our Ollas are a genuine collaboration. Matt mixes the slurry and slipcasts the Olla bodies. Karen throws the lids on her potter’s wheel, and takes care of the glazing and firing. We share most of the countless other tasks involved in running a business, and are truly home-based. All of our Ollas are made in our home (basement) studio.
Most recently, our daughter, Kristen, has joined our ‘team,’ helping with production, shipping, and, thankfully, marketing. Our son-in-law, David, is learning how to throw lids on the potter’s wheel and our hope is for Kristen and David to continue and expand the business.
Pottery life is a great life! Thanks for your interest in us!
Most recently, our daughter, Kristen, has joined our ‘team,’ helping with production, shipping, and, thankfully, marketing. Our son-in-law, David, is learning how to throw lids on the potter’s wheel and our hope is for Kristen and David to continue and expand the business.
Pottery life is a great life! Thanks for your interest in us!