Scarlett Pons sold her pottery, like many other artists starting out, on Etsy. But late this summer, Pons, who also owns the Fredericksburg art boutique Ponshop, launched household necessities on Amazon.
As a former architect, Pons focuses on aesthetics and functionality. “There are so many things that we surround ourselves with that are poorly designed,” she says. Her take on a sponge holder avoids the metal (which rusts), suction cups (which never stick) and kitsch (which can feel dated).
Her dual sponge and brush holder features clean, sloping lines in a white-glazed ceramic, with a hole in the bottom for drainage. She plans to add more items to her Amazon line, like a napkin holder, spoon rest and butter dish (available now from her Etsy shop, Scarlettwares).
While platters and plates usually receive the attention, what helps keep everything clean also deserves the eye-candy treatment. “The things we spend the most time with should be beautifully designed,” says Pons.