about me
Kia ora,
I was born in Berlin to a Korean mother and a German father, and I lived in Hamburg, Düsseldorf, and Cologne before life brought our family — my husband Mic, our children Amelie and Vincent, my mother, and our two pugs Hanni and Nanni — to the quiet coastal village of Eastbourne, New Zealand. These days, my weekdays are busy with work, but in the evenings and weekends, I return to my pottery wheel in our small shed. It’s my way to slow down and create with my hands. As a passionate beginner in Eastbourne pottery, I attend a weekly pottery workshop in Lower Hutt, where Katie — an experienced potter of many years — generously shares her knowledge and helps me grow. Each piece of handmade pottery NZ is hand-thrown and shaped individually — never rushed, never quite the same. They are uniquely and perfectly imperfect, reflecting the beauty of handmade craftsmanship.
My work is influenced by the clean, structured lines of Berlin, the gentle curves of Korean design, and the natural textures of New Zealand’s landscape. I love making simple, functional pieces that bring a sense of calm and warmth to everyday moments — a favorite mug for your morning coffee, a bowl passed around the dinner table. I’m excited to bring these unique pottery pieces to market, sharing them with you.
My Korean name — Ni-Na (니나) — carries a meaning that has always stayed with me. “Ni” means you, and “Na” means me. Together, they speak to the quiet relationship between maker and owner — the idea that something made by my hands can become part of your daily life. A mug you reach for every morning, a bowl that holds family meals, a plate that turns an ordinary moment into something warm and personal. That small connection — between you and me — is what I try to capture in every piece.
When I’m not at the wheel, I enjoy yoga, long walks on the bush trails with our dogs, and the peaceful rhythm of life by the sea.
One wheel. Two hands. Your piece. Handmade with love in Eastbourne, and sent with warmth to your home.
