The story of Kubek by Kasia
My name is Kasia and I am the founder of Kubek.
I came to Australia from Poland 15 years ago and have since become an Australian Citizen, proudly calling the Northern Rivers my home. I was born on National Independence Day in Poland, which feels fitting as I am a brave and independent woman who strives to choose courage over comfort. I am an imperfect, honest, goofy and light-hearted human who is learning how to be vulnerable.
When I am not covered in clay, you will find me immersed in nature, jumping into the ocean, laughing with friends or spending all of my money at the farmers markets.
Kubek means ‘mug’ in my native language, Polish, and the idea was born from my collective passions for pottery and service.
In 2019 I quit my career in hospitality and began working in the disability support sector – a decision that changed my life for the better. I fell in love with the way that my students perceived the world.
This journey ignited a fascination for me so while working as a carer at Autism Camp Australia I decided to enroll in the Certificate of Autism Spectrum Disorder, among various other workshops and support work to further improve my understanding of the unique abilities of the people I work with.
Today I am studying Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, I am a support worker, carer at the Autism Camp Australia and a potter.
I want to offer classes to individuals of all abilities who are seeking a creative outlet!
Why Ceramics?
My grandfather was a very talented ceramicist and artist in the 60s & 70s and although I didn’t get the chance to learn from him directly- the love for clay is in my blood.
I didn’t know that until a few years ago when I signed up to a pottery classes. I wasn’t very confident person that time and I didn’t think about myself as a creative either but as soon as my hands touched the clay I was in a different world. Pottery has changed my life! It taught me how to be patient, calm, how to be in the moment. It unleashed my creativity.
Today thanks to pottery I am a confident person and each project gives me a sense of accomplishment - this has an incredible impact on all areas of my life.
I get inspirations from my grandfather’s work. My creations are a reflection of myself - imperfect, unique, raw.
Every time I drink tea from the cup I created; I feel proud and inspired. Every time I gift my creations to my friends; I feel happy.
Now, I love the ritual of having breakfast in my own handmade bowl.
It tastes magical!
I believe that happiness comes from stretching ourselves - being hungry for something in our lives, trying new things, experiencing – ceramics gives me all of that.
I believe in the therapeutic benefits of clay…
the moment my fingers touch the clay, magic happens. There is something very special about getting your hands dirty, getting lost in the process, creating something imperfect and truly unique. When I am making pottery, I feel connected to myself, I feel calm and grounded. I feel whole.
It’s how I share my soul with the world.
Creativity, which is the expression of our originality, helps us stay mindful that what we bring to the world is completely original and cannot be compared.
- Brené Brown