Maria Baleva

Founder / Designer / Ceramic artist

Mimi has the skills of a master and the discipline of an apprentice. The passion of an artist and the precision of a scientist. With qualities like these, she can be anything she wants. Good for the humanity she wants to craft and create, and infuse everyday objects with artistic energy. It brings her pleasure and satisfaction. It makes the world a more beautiful and bearable place to live in.

  • Masters degree architect, UACEG, Sofia
  • Member of the Bulgarian Chamber of the Craftsman, Artistic Ceramics
  • Member of Homo Faber Guide – a curated digital platform which maps exceptional craftsmanship around the world

Zornitsa Genova

Poetry

Together with Maria, Zornitsa created Pottery & Poetry as a way to share their creative vision. Though trained as a lawyer, her sensitive poetry brings a unique emotional depth to the ceramics, giving them a soulful story that shines through our social media and accompanies every carefully wrapped package.

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

Emilia Yankova is a versatile and accomplished professional with a Bachelor’s in Public Administration and two Master’s degrees in Public Relations and Graphic Design. With over 20 years of experience in Public Relations, she excels in strategic communication, creative design, and leadership across various industries.

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

Elena possesses the grace of a movie star and the heart of an adventurer. With a love for animals and the ocean, she channels her passions into the world of ceramics, creating pieces that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. Her emotional depth transforms each pottery item into a canvas for storytelling, inviting others to connect with nature’s elegance.

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

Mina is the heart and soul of our pottery studio. A force of nature, she guides our team with her kindness and infectious humor. Her nurturing spirit, shaped by her role as a mother, brings warmth and care to every project she touches.

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.

Irena Vakrilova ceramist at Pottery and Poetry
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