We had the good fortune of connecting with Gustavo Miranda and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gustavo, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I would never make a good tight rope walker, I lack balance, but I’m optimistic to find it. In theory, I know it’s important to have balance on many levels because it’s good for your health, family, friends, productivity, and creativity. I know I am a workaholic and I keep finding more work for myself or it finds me. I enjoy and love what I do, so I don’t see it as work, but it does affect everything else in my life. About a year ago I had found a balance with work and I didn’t know what to do with it, so I unconsciously created imbalance again. Four years ago, I was balancing a full time job as an art teacher in the public school system and my business full time, It was very hard to do both, but I did. I took a leap of faith and left the school system for three years and ran my pottery business full time, loved every minute of my freedom. Something starting calling me back to the classroom again, I thought I missed the school setting and the students, so I went back to try balancing my full time teaching job with my business. My stress levels went back up. my family life disappeared, and my personal health took a backseat. Zero time for anything other than work. So I found a silver lining with the our current Corona-Virus pandemic, it stopped me dead in my tracks. I had no choice but to be home with my family, which I had missed very much. Slowing down and realizing how time is precious has made me contemplate what is important in my life. Number one is family and if I’m not taking care of myself, or not being around because I work all the time, then I’m doing a disservice to everyone. The only place I had an escape was my studio, and being there during these anxious times was my only mental relief and it brought me happiness. I was teaching virtually for the school system, but it was much different than going to the actual school location, it was less stressful and I wasn’t stuck there for 8 hours. Now I am focused on making my pottery and planning for a more simple life, less is more. Balance found me again and I certainly had missed it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Art is an expression of the soul captured in a medium. I enjoy all aspects of art making, and have dabbled in many different mediums. My favorite medium at the moment, is clay. It can be formed into anything and destroyed and formed again, it’s fun for the hands. I made all kinds of functional work, but I really prefer making pots for plants. Aside from making pottery, my other passions are gardening and cooking, so they all work well together. My pottery is unique because I create pots for orchids, not many people do- I have found my niche, but I make other things, too. These alluring plants only bloom certain times of the year, so dressing them in a beautiful pot extends their beauty and seduction. Learning to make pottery on the wheel was not easy, it’s one of the hardest things I have ever tried to learn. I do not consider myself a natural at anything, except for the love of learning. Pottery takes grit and perseverance. You have to overcome the fear of achieving perfection, nothing is permanent, and just keep swimming. My wife and I own and operate Anhinga Clay Studios. We are a local pottery studio that teaches pottery and art classes for all ages. Our passion is clay and we want to share it with everyone, We saw the need for more pottery in Miami, since there are few places that offered it, and we devised a plan to create one. Being full time art teachers in the public school system allowed us to work many summers and we saved. Eventually, we opened our studio with our hard earned money. To run a business it takes the same sacrifice, tenacity and perseverance as learning to throw pottery on the wheel. It’s not for the faint of heart, it’s not handed to you, it’s earned. We have had our studio now for 10 years and looking back at the milestones, especially now in these challenging times, we are very thankful to all those customers and friends who have supported us along the way. If you have an idea or a dream, take it and run with it, you will be there before you know it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend in town and had to show them my favorite spots in the city, I don’t think its the kind of places you would see brochures in hotel lobbies, no South Beach, please. Miami has many tasty restaurants, I’m no foodie, but I know good food. I would take them to my favorite mom and pop restaurants starting with El Mago de las Fritas for a Cuban hamburger, or Bangkok City Thai for some spicy Thai food, fresh and tasty Chinese at Canton Palace, or some cheap and delicious latin food at El Rinconcito Latino, and definitely some pizza from Frankie’s, with every topping they have, including the anchovies. I would take them for a day kayaking around Biscayne Bay starting at Matheson Hammock Park and paddling our way to Deering Estate, or go for a walk around Coral Gables. Low tide at Biscayne Nature Center Beach (North Crandon Park) is a great way to spend the afternoon on a beach chair lounging in the breeze. Or Fairchild Botanical Tropical Gardens to see some amazing plants from around the world. Finish off the day at Lincoln’s Beard for some delicious, locally brewed beer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to my pottery teacher, mentor, and the love of my life, my wife, Melissa Maxfield-Miranda. She is also an amazing mother, artist, and teacher. She has the patience of a saint, that’s what my mother tells her for putting up with me. She has always seen the positive seeds of growth in me and has encouraged me to pursue my dreams without ever putting limitations. Without her, I wouldn’t be half the man I am today.

Website: www.anhingaclaystudios.com
Instagram: anhingaclay@instagram.com
Facebook: Anhinga Clay Studios, Inc.