There’s something really special about getting your hands in clay… 🤍

Formed by Fire was created in honor of my dad—one of my biggest supporters—and the man who taught me unconditional love. I believe he shaped me into the person I am today. Professionally, he was a retired Captain of the Waukesha Fire Department and was part of Alpha 10, the first 10 paramedics in Waukesha. His name on the department was Bull—fitting for a man who was both bullheaded and determined. He passed that same fire on to me, and in many ways, formed me with it.

To say I had a perfect dad might not be entirely accurate, but to say that God gave me the perfect dad for me would be an understatement. Through his actions, he taught me the meaning of unconditional love, protection, strength, and forgiveness. He lived a life of service—not just in his profession, but within our family as well.

We shared a bond that was steady, deep, and full of laughter. He called me “Funny Face,” and I can still hear him walking through the door calling out, “Funny Face, I love you!” I’d come running, launching myself into his arms—never once did he miss.

My childhood was filled with moments that shaped me: time at our cabin in Lily, fishing in the creek, snowmobiling, and simply being together. When my mom passed away when I was nine, my dad became my constant. He showed up for everything—no matter what it took. Even if it meant pulling up to my basketball games in a fire truck with a full crew so he wouldn’t miss a moment.

He had a way of teaching life lessons that stayed with you. Before I could drive, I had to learn it all—automatic, stick shift, even how to launch a boat. At the time, I would say, “No one else has to do all this!” He’d just smile and say, “Somebody does—you.” Years later, I realized he was giving me independence, confidence, and strength.

Our home was always open. The door was never locked, and everyone was welcome. It was a place of warmth, laughter, and sometimes chaos—but always love. My dad filled every room he walked into. In his early days, he led with presence and a bit of intimidation. After he passed, I was overwhelmed by the stories of the lives he touched. So many people called him “Dad.” That was just who he was.

We talked every day. We shared coffee, music, plays, ice cream, drinks, casino nights, dances on the lake—anything, as long as we were together. Quality time was our language.

In his later years, my husband and I had the privilege of caring for him the way he once cared for me. Even as life slowed down and dementia crept in, we still had our music, our singing, our dancing, and our coffee—always coffee. Every night ended the same way:
“I love you.”
“I love you more.”
“See you tomorrow for coffee.”—our quiet promise of another good morning together.

Formed by Fire is rooted in all of this.

Pottery started as a date night my husband thought of and slowly became our place to slow down, to heal, and to feel connected again—to him, to myself, and to something meaningful. There is something grounding about clay in your hands. Something honest. Something healing.

Now, we get to share that with others.

This studio is a space where you can slow down, show up exactly as you are, get your hands in clay, and create something meaningful—no experience needed. Just presence, curiosity, and a willingness to try.

This is more than pottery. It’s connection. It’s healing. It’s coming home to yourself.

And in many ways… it’s still my dad’s story, too.