Client Spotlight - Violet Ladies Studio

Meet Codey, co-owner of Violet Ladies Studio, a studio born from a love of ceramics and a vision to create artful, handmade pieces that make everyday living feel a little more special.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your company.
I’ve always known I wanted to build something of my own, it’s just taken a few different forms along the way. It actually started in elementary school, when I was making beaded jewelry and selling it at the hospitals where my mom and stepdad worked. That little business, “Codey’s Jewelry,” even had custom order forms and business cards. I loved the feeling of creating something that someone else connected with.

After college, I returned to that idea with ceramics and launched “CD Ceramics.” A couple of years in, I met my wife and pulled her into the creative chaos. While she didn’t initially see herself as an artist, she quickly found her footing making hand-poured candles. It never quite felt right to keep everything under a name that predated us as a team, though.

So earlier this year, we started Violet Ladies Studio together. The name comes from a historical symbol. Violets were once exchanged between women as a quiet expression of romantic interest. As two women who feel deeply connected to queer history and identity, it felt like a meaningful and fitting foundation for this next chapter.

How did you get into ceramics?
I took my first ceramics class in sixth grade after my mom nudged me to pick a summer activity. I chose a youth pottery class from a community art center catalog and I was immediately hooked.

I kept taking classes until my teacher suggested I move into the adult sessions, where I was mentored by an incredibly supportive group of artists. Even when I had to step away during busy parts of high school, ceramics never really left my mind.

In college, I initially pursued graphic design, but it didn’t take long to realize I missed working with my hands. I switched to ceramics my sophomore year and never looked back. That’s where I expanded beyond wheel throwing into mold-making and hand-building, which gave me a much broader toolkit. Now, I don’t feel limited by process; I can focus on what I want to make, rather than how I’m going to make it.

Do you have a favorite product to make?
It honestly depends on the day, which is part of what keeps things interesting. Having different styles and processes to move between helps me stay engaged without burning out.

That said, right now I’m especially drawn to my lamps. I love the rhythm of hand-building them and the process of assembling each piece. They feel a bit more personal, both in how they’re made and what they represent.

What inspires your designs or pieces? 
I tend to think of my work in three distinct bodies.

The first is functional, primarily wheel-thrown pieces. These focus on form and texture, often with clean lines and simple glazing. I like pairing that simplicity with atmospheric firings (wood, salt, or soda) which introduce an element of unpredictability. The result is something that feels both controlled and completely unique.

The second body of work goes in the opposite direction. These pieces are bright, graphic, and heavily surface-driven, often using porcelain as a backdrop for bold color. Even though I moved away from graphic design, I’ve held onto a love of typography and visual messaging. This work explores my identity as a gay woman and pulls from music, film, musicals, and other bits of pop culture that resonate with me. Unlike my atmospheric work, these designs are repeatable, which lets me experiment within a defined visual language.

The third, and most recent, body of work is my ceramic lamps. These come from a more personal and conceptual place. To me, they’re all women. They explore ideas of fragmentation and wholeness—how women are often reduced to parts, while also carrying an inherent sense of light and presence. Each piece begins on the wheel and is altered through hand-building, sometimes overtly referencing the human form but most of the time it’s more abstract. I use recycled clay for these works, which adds another layer of meaning around transformation, history, and resilience.

Do you offer lessons for those who are interested?
I don’t currently have a formal setup for private lessons, but I’ve hosted a few one-off events and would love to expand into small workshops in my home studio in the future.

In the meantime, I do teach at Groundworks Art Lab in Boulder, which is an incredible place to learn. We offer beginner wheel and hand-building classes, along with courses in wood, metal, glass, and printmaking, plus youth and family options. It’s a great entry point if you’re curious about ceramics.

What’s one thing people may not know about ceramics, or are surprised by? 
A lot of people are surprised by how challenging ceramics can be. With the rise of social media, there’s been an influx of beautifully edited videos that make it look effortless.

And while it is incredibly rewarding, it’s definitely not instant. It takes time, patience, and a willingness to mess up (repeatedly). I always tell beginners: come try it, have fun—but give yourself some grace while you’re learning.

What’s your favorite part about running the business, or your favorite kind of project?
The making process is easily my favorite part. The administrative side... less so, but it comes with the territory.

I’ve also started doing more art shows and markets, which has been a rewarding challenge. I’m still getting comfortable talking about my work in those settings, but when someone genuinely connects with a piece, it makes those conversations feel natural—and reminds me why I do it.

What is the best way to get in touch with you?
The best way to reach me is by email at [email protected] or on Instagram @CDCeramics. We’re in the process of getting our @VioletLadiesStudio Instagram up and running as well.

I’ll admit—social media isn’t my strongest skill. I’m much happier in the studio than on my phone, but I’m working on it.

Outside of buying one of your pieces, how can someone support your business? 
Following along on Instagram, sharing our work, or keeping us in mind for local events and shows all make a big difference. Getting the work in front of new audiences is huge for a small business like ours.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
You can see more of our work on Etsy at etsy.com/shop/VioletLadiesStudio. I also love creating custom pieces—there’s something really special about making something tailored to a person or space—so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have an idea in mind.