Emily Cross of Little Jack Ceramics found a creative outlet from her day job with ceramic art

The movement to support small, local businesses is going as strong as ever. In the Gem City, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by inspiring entrepreneurs who are not only finding a creative outlet for themselves but are striving to make the small business scene bigger.

Emily Cross of Little Jack Ceramics launched her business because she wanted to create whimsical and fun pieces that are both decorative and functional. “I am a Medical Social Worker, I started pottery as a way to process and manage my stress from work,” she explains. “Ceramic art has been an outlet to express my creativity and emotions.”

Little Jack Ceramics has been around since December 2023, and she’s already made a splash in the local creative scene popping up at markets throughout the Miami Valley. In fact, her next event will be at the Yellow Springs Street Fair on October 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Items from Little Jack Ceramics include mugs, planters, ring dishes, bowls and more. “What makes my small business unique is what we make,” says Cross. “I make funny little animals and funny little faces, as well as other functional and decorative pieces. The faces, specifically, are a way for me to honor my Appalachian heritage. The face mugs and planters are inspired by moonshine jugs, with a whimsical twist.”

Little Jack Ceramics offers local pick-ups, but items are primarily available for sale at Outside the Box Art Studio and at markets. Cross says she posts all of her markets to her Instagram page so that shoppers know where to find her throughout the area. You can learn more about Little Jack Ceramics on Instagram.