Setting the Table

Although the building is brand new on the outside, Jessie Voss’ business is rooted in an ancient art form.  My Table is Voss’ new store featuring the handmade pottery and tableware that has gained national attention for Voss. Located just south of the Highway 36 and 45 intersection, My Table will open on Feb. 11.

Featured on the Rachel Ray Show after a creative director there came across her website in 2006, Voss said she feels blessed to have the ability to be an artist and thrive, especially given the recent economy. 

However, the key to her success might be that her work isn’t just pretty to look at; it’s also pretty darn useful.

“The pottery I create is affordable and useful, but it’s also pretty enough to keep out on the table,” Voss explained.

While she had always enjoyed going to art shows with her mom in grade school, her career path was set for business.  And even though she said her parents were happy that she chose to major in business and not art when she attended UW-Whitewater, they gave her a potter’s wheel as a graduation present. 

Taking her electives in art, she stayed close to the hobby, and two years after graduating from Whitewater, she participated in her first art show.  While Voss kept her marketing job, it wasn’t meant to last: the launch of her website, www.handmade-dinnerware.com, in 2003 eventually led her to turn her business degree toward her artistic side.

Featuring custom made pottery, including vases, place settings, platters, bowls and whatever her customers request, the website is as much gallery as it is product inventory.  Customers are advised that due to the production process, the wait can be up to eight weeks, but Voss said she’s not heard anyone complain.

“People know that this isn’t just a stoneware set that you can pick up at Target.  They like the fact that it’s me creating the pieces, right here at the store,” Voss said.

With 25 glaze combinations currently available, even customers who select a ‘standard’ piece will get a one-of-a-kind result. Voss said the assortment of patterns that she features is also growing, often based on customer tastes.

Voss will host a grand opening gala at My Table on March 11, with additional artisans’ products featured in the store. Voss said 75 percent of the inventory will be hers, but purses, fiber wear, vintage inspired jewelry, paintings, stained glass and fine soaps from local artists will also be for sale.