The Barge and Mikes Fishing Boat
Jan has been a self-taught potter for over 30 years. In the early days, Jan lived and worked from her studio, which was built on the deck of an old rock loading barge. An immense floating home, this barge measured 100’ by 32’ and once worked the waters off the Wild Pacific Coastline. During her 8 years living in this unique style on the water, Jan was acquainted with Mike, then a commercial fisherman.
Mike would occasionally come by in his fish boat, and tie up to the barge for a quick cup of tea and a visit. Little did they know, that he would later become her husband and business partner. Jan originally designed her unique Mussel Shell with the hope that one day she would develop a line of pottery seashells that would be both functional as well as decorative for people’s homes. She thought, “What fun it would be... to bake and serve food from a giant clay shell!”
After years of hard work, single motherhood and selling her art at smaller festivals and fairs, the real turning point for the business came 20 years ago when she married Mike.
A step back in time
Their unique partnership and vision for something bigger and better threw them into years of trial and error and success. Initially the business began with Jan’s pottery wheel in their kitchen, and pottery drying all over the house on any and every flat available space. It was quite a scenario, the family with the two children immersed in the complex and fragile world of drying greenware every where! Innovative thinking, ingenuity, and some risk taking have led to many exciting and busy years. Still the business continues to grow; and today Blair and Erin conduct all aspects of the business in a 11,000 sq ft building.
Through hard work, dedication, and a talent for self learning they have created a successful pottery business
Stepping into the future!
Years have gone by and now Erin & her husband Blair "along with their son Jayce" run the business. The gift shop has been expanded and now carries a large assortment of local artisans and handcrafted goods from not only British Columbia but from all over Canada.
Erin has also created her own line of products called "Mermaid Apothecary" which consists of many bath and body products.
When Blair has some free time he creates many stunning projects wether it be woodworking or pottery.
Now that Erin and Blair have taken over the running of the business Mike and Jan can enjoy time off for their various hobbies and travels.
