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 I (Karen), a then part-time potter, learned about Ollas ( . . . Actually I thought I invented them! I would soon learn that people have been making and using Ollas for thousands of years.) I quickly became fascinated by these simple clay vessels, and, after some experimenting, I made some for our garden and a few for my Etsy shop. |
 Squash in our curb garden :)
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. I began reading everything I 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? |
Olla lids, thrown on the potter's wheel, and waiting be fired in the kiln.
Ollas loaded into the kiln!
In the mean time, the business went from part-time to full-time and things got really busy! I began dividing my 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 slip casts the Olla bodies. I throw the lids on our potter's wheel, and take care of the glazing and firing. We share most of the 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!
Pottery life is a great life! Thanks for your interest in us!