The Perfectly Imperfect Sale: A Weekend I Won't Forget

Dear everyone who came and everyone who cheered on from far,

The studio floor is still a little dusty and the shelves look lighter, but my heart is the fullest it has been in a long time. I wanted to write this while the feeling is still fresh.

You came from Faridabad, from Noida and from places much farther, just to stand in a room full of clay and celebrate something we have slowly built. I still can't quite believe it. I spend most of my days alone with my hands in mud, hoping what I make will find its way to someone. This weekend, I saw that it does. I also saw that it can bring people together, which I never expected. Some of you shopped, some stayed on just to talk, old friends bumped into each other and new friendships began over food and music. Many of you I had only ever known as a name on a screen, so meeting you in person and taking that bond beyond Instagram was a gift.

Tucked in one corner of the studio was a small wall of my own beginnings: photographs from the early days, along with college projects and clay experiments from 2012 to 2015, long before A Clay Story had a name. And then you left notes for me, little pieces of yourselves. That wall has quietly become my favourite place in the studio.

I had no idea how much was waiting in our boxes and on the back shelves. Pieces from 2017 and 2018 finally found homes. About half of everything left, and the shelves still look full, so I suppose this will have to happen every year.

There were softer, funnier moments too. The children dove right into our clay corner, while the grown-ups hovered, waiting to be told what to do. One mum told me it's the best way to shop, since the little ones are happily busy. And on Sunday evening, when the lights went out, you carried on browsing by the glow of your phone torches. It was funny, sweet, and a tiny bit embarrassing for me. Thank you for being so kind about it.

None of this happens alone. Two friends came days early to help me plan. My family stayed close all weekend, ready for whatever I needed, and my studio team worked harder than anyone should have to. Then there were friends who brought their own magic: Oddfellows with their kombucha, Solaace with the most delicious bakes, and Ridhima Mukim Design with gift bags for Diwali gifting. You turned a sale into a celebration.

Grateful, grateful, grateful.

If you missed us this time, you are always welcome. If you are in Delhi, drop by the studio through the week, but please book an appointment first so that I am there to welcome you.

With love, Anumita