News | 26 September 2023
Charlotte ManserA graduate from Cardiff Metropolitan University has been selected to collaborate with Oscar and Grammy-winning superstar singer John Legend on his interior design collection.
Charlotte Manser, 28, from Swindon, graduated from BA Ceramics at Cardiff Metropolitan University in 2017. She has since gone on to run a six figure business – Charlotte Manser Ceramics – making and selling functional pottery on Etsy.
The opportunity to work with John Legend comes after the award winning artist and entrepreneur co-designed the brand new
Creator Collab line in partnership with Etsy. John selected 11 Esty shops that are women, black or minority owned to create a summer and winter interior design collaboration with. Charlotte was the only seller selected from the UK.
Charlotte said: “The whole process has been crazy, mostly because I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone. Since the collaboration launched in June my sales have doubled. It’s great that new customers are seeing my work and it’s brought a wider international audience to my shop. I would love to do more collaboration work in the future and hopefully more opportunities arise.
“It was such an honour. Over a six-month period I worked to a brief, got inspired, and did lots of testing to produce the final collection which includes mugs, pet bowls and coasters.”
Charlotte has a passion for creating objects from the earth’s raw materials and says her commitment to sustainability and love for the natural world inspired her to embark on this journey.
Charlotte was able to start her business in 2019 from the funding she received from Cardiff Met’s Centre for Entrepreneurship. The Centre works with students and helps them to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The team works collaboratively with academic colleagues to support entrepreneurship education, which is engaging, empowering and research led.
Charlotte continued: “At university my work was more sculptural and I wasn’t too interested in setting up a business – I wanted to become a teacher. After two years as a teaching intern I decided to set up a business instead. While I didn’t take the most business-based route in my education, I still learnt a lot about making work to sell etc. The funding I received from the Centre for Entrepreneurship at Cardiff Met allowed me to buy important equipment to start my business. These opportunities are not to be missed!
“Over the last three years I have worked to build my business making and selling my functional pottery which now has a six-figure turnover, four team members, and is sold across the world. It’s crazy!”
Charlotte is also keen to continue a close working relationship with Cardiff Met and recently returned to give a talk to current students: “When I returned to Cardiff School of Art and Design I met Edith and Esme, who both now work for me. I want to maintain a relationship with Cardiff Met students and hopefully provide a place to take on a student every year as a new member of my team.
“I want to show students that you can make a living doing something you enjoy.
“My biggest piece of advice for people coming to university is to challenge yourself and make the most of every opportunity. It’s a big step to move away from home, meet new people and take a step up in your education. Find a course you love and you’ll always be motivated and inspired. Ultimately, there’s nothing quite as good as playing with clay every day!”
Creator Collab is a limited-edition home and living collaboration in partnership with Etsy. John Legend worked with the 11 selected artists, including Charlotte – the pieces were inspired by John’s own interior design style and home life. John said: “It’s important for me to fill my home with high quality pieces made by people who approach their craft with intention. Getting to collaborate with these talented artists was such a special experience, because the finished products tell a story about the people who made them.”
Discover more on Charlotte Manser Ceramics and the Creator Collab on Etsy:
www.etsy.com/uk/blog/john-legend-creator-collab
