Maria Baleva
Founder / Designer / Lead Designer
Mimi embodies a rare combination of mastery and humility—possessing the skills of a master craftsman while maintaining the discipline and curiosity of an apprentice. She approaches her work with the passion of an artist and the precision of a scientist, qualities that allow her to transform clay into poetry.
Stupidly brave and utterly determined, Mimi is the driving force behind Pottery & Poetry and the visionary concept that brings it to life. With such versatile talents, she could pursue any path she chooses. Fortunately for us all, she has chosen to dedicate herself to crafting and creating, infusing everyday objects with artistic energy that transforms the mundane into the magical.
This pursuit brings her deep pleasure and satisfaction, knowing that each piece she creates makes the world a more beautiful and bearable place to live in. Through Pottery & Poetry, Mimi continues her fearless mission of elevating the everyday through the marriage of function and beauty.
Credentials:
- Master’s Degree in Architecture, UACEG, Sofia, cofounder FUNKT,
- Member of the Bulgarian Chamber of Craftsmen, Artistic Ceramics
- Member of Homo Faber Guide – a curated digital platform mapping exceptional craftsmanship worldwide
Zornitsa Genova
Poetry
Zornitsa’s presence is as captivating as her words — her large blue eyes seem to hold the vastness of the universe itself, full of mystery and warmth. Through her poetry, she gives Pottery & Poetry its distinctive voice, connecting deeply with everyone who discovers the collection.
Emilia Yankova
Managing partner / Marketing / Communications
As the Marketing Manager at Pottery and Poetry, Emi showcases her talents as a photographer, graphic designer, and stylist. Her keen eye for detail and sophisticated aesthetic make a lasting impact on every project, positioning her as a creative force and invaluable asset to our team.
Elena Minkova
Senior designer / Ceramist
With a perfect sense of style that reflects current trends while maintaining a timeless allure, Elena’s work captures the essence of her artistic vision. Her charming French “R” pronunciation adds a touch of sophistication, enriching the atmosphere of the studio where she shines as the coolest and most engaging colleague.
Mina Zlateva
Visual artist / Ceramist
As a graduated artist specializing in animation design and video editing, Mina’s perfect sense of detail elevates our creations to new heights. If we ever develop a line that feels like home, it’s undoubtedly thanks to Mina’s influence and dedication. Her surname, Zlateva, meaning “made from gold,” truly reflects the golden touch she brings to our work, making every piece a cherished creation.
Irena Vakrilova
Ceramist / UI/UX Designer
Irena’s sharp intelligence and quick adaptability make her an essential presence in our studio. She meets every challenge with genuine curiosity and enthusiasm, swiftly mastering new techniques and weaving them seamlessly into her work. As both a ceramist and a skilled UI/UX designer, she bridges the tactile world of craftsmanship with digital innovation, bringing deliberate precision to every detail.
Her passion for aquarelle painting adds a subtle, artistic layer to her creations—infusing them with sensitivity and depth that enrich our studio’s aesthetic. There’s a youthful warmth in her spirit—a bright openness that lifts the room—balanced by a clever, quick-witted mind that surprises with insight and creativity.
More than talent, Irena brings positive energy that shapes our studio culture. Her radiant smile and genuine enthusiasm inspire those around her, making Pottery & Poetry a more joyful and inspiring place to create.
Nadya Stancheva
Brand Ambassador / Storyteller
Nadya holds a special place in the Pottery & Poetry story as one of our very first clients, evolving naturally into a passionate brand ambassador and admirer.
With a poet’s heart and keen eye for beauty, she has the gift of finding the extraordinary in everyday moments and expressing it through beautiful words. Nadya discovers poetry in nature’s patterns, in human connections, and in the quiet places where memories are made.
Her authentic appreciation for handcrafted beauty and ability to articulate what makes each piece special has helped introduce countless others to the world of Pottery & Poetry. She doesn’t just share our products—she shares our vision of finding art in everyday living.
Vasil Tanev
Photogrpher
Vasil brings artistry and authenticity to every shot he captures for Pottery & Poetry. As a professional photographer renowned for creating captivating portraits, he has an exceptional gift for revealing the soul of his subjects—whether they’re people or handcrafted pieces.
His passions extend beyond the camera lens. As an avid chef and baker, Vasil understands the artistry of creation, bringing intimate knowledge of craftsmanship to his photography. This allows him to capture not just visual beauty, but the story behind each piece.
Deeply connected to nature and beauty in all forms, Vasil finds magic in natural light and authentic moments. Above all, he’s a sincerely good person with a heart full of warmth and kindness—qualities that shine through his work and create an atmosphere where true beauty emerges naturally.
