Get to know April Brimer, Pursuits Studio 

CC Muses: In Greek mythology, the muses were Zeus’ daughters and the goddesses of the arts, sciences, and literature. Today, in fashion and beyond, a muse is a source of inspiration. Next up in our “Consign Couture Muses” series we are pleased to hear from April Brimer, the ceramicist, artist and instructor behind Pursuits Studio. 

Back in February, part of Team CC joined April for a ceramics class in her North Portland studio for our (belated) holiday party! The studio is bright, clean, and brimming with beautiful examples of April’s work. Many of the fixtures in the space celebrate the potential of clay: ceramic coat hooks by the door, a ceramic shade for a hanging pendant light, a ceramic towel holder by the sink. Instant inspiration! In under three hours, April guided us through hand-building ceramic mugs, bowls, and plates. If you’ve been curious to try ceramics, or have never tried hand building, we absolutely recommend booking a class with April! She is a patient and encouraging teacher who will help you be successful! We’re so pleased to highlight April on the blog this week. 

What’s your name and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself!

Hey, I’m April. I’m a ceramic artist and pottery teacher. I run Pursuits Studio, where I make my own work and teach others how to hand-build with clay.

What inspired you to start Pursuits, and what is meaningful to you about it? 

Before I opened an educational space I was working as a full time ceramic artist. It was feeling very solitary and I wanted to find a way to work that would let me engage with other people more. Opening a space with room to host others has been incredibly rewarding and has led to some really meaningful moments.

What is something that you do differently from others in your field?

My studio is a little different than the typical community pottery studio. First of all, it’s almost exclusively focused on hand building. So instead of designing the studio around wheel throwing, there’s a lot more tools and resources focused on table top building techniques. Secondly, the studio is small and intimate, which allows me to offer more one-on-one guidance to participants as needed.

What is somethinng that you are proud to bring to your industry? 

A calming space and a patient instructor 🙂

Tell us about a milestone for Pursuits or something that you’re especially proud of.

2024 marks my tenth year working full time in ceramics. I couldn’t imagine a more joyful and fulfilling way to spend my time.

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?

It’s important for artists to look for inspiration outside of their medium. I look at architecture, nature, and 2D art like paintings and illustrations. It’s easy to be inspired if you’re attentive to the small details around you and take note on what lights you up.

Do you think about how to incorporate environmental sustainability into your business or practice? What challenges have you encountered, or successes have you had?

Absolutely. There are a lot of ways we can minimize environmental impact in the studio like only firing the kilns when full, recycling clay, keeping our waste out of the water supply, and looking for locally sourced materials whenever possible. 

Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?

I’ve always been a bit of a tomboy. I’m hard on my clothes so I love workwear or anything that I can wear in the studio and also out and about. Lately I’ve been looking for bold colors and fun pieces that I can incorporate for an extra bit of levity and dopamine.

Three things you’ve loved lately?

Three books I really enjoyed recently were;

Northwoods by Daniel Mason

Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, and

Orwell’s Roses by Rebecca Solnit.

Bonus question- what are some small businesses you love?

I’m a big fan of the ceramics community in Portland. There really is something for everyone. A few favorite studios worth checking out: Sandy River Studios for a farm-to-table pottery experience, Calvin Wong Ceramics for artist-run wheel classes, or Fancy Banana studios for monthly memberships.

Find April & Pursuits Studio on Instagram here.  

What’s your name and what do you do in life? Tell us about yourself and your business!
I’m Emily LaPlume, Founder & CEO of Saturday Swimwear — a sustainable women’s swimwear brand designed for real life and real bodies. I’m passionate about creating timeless, comfortable, and eco-conscious swimwear that’s made ethically right here in the U.S.

What inspired you to get into your field of work?
Saturday Swimwear was born from my own frustration trying to find a swimsuit that felt good, looked good, and was functional. My shift towards sustainability came after witnessing the first hand effects fast fashion and overconsumption were having on the environment and developing communities around the world. I set out to prove that you don’t have to compromise between style, comfort, or responsibility. What sets us apart is that we manufacture small batch collections in Los Angeles, use sustainable fabrics like ECONYL® regenerated nylon, and prioritize quality, fit, and function — creating suits that move with you, not against you.

Tell us about a milestone in your work or something that you’re especially proud of!
In 2022, I started what I call my “Artist Series,” where I collaborate with a female-identifying designer to create a one of a kind print for our suits inspired by their connection with nature. It has allowed me to connect with other creatives and tell the store behind the print, encouraging customers to build an even deeper connection with the products they’re purchasing. While it is taking a hiatus for 2025, we are working on some fun stuff for next year!

What inspires you? Where do you look for inspiration?
Nature is my biggest source of inspiration — especially the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. From the muted tones of a misty coastline to the vibrant colors of alpine wildflowers, I pull a lot of ideas for color palettes, textures, and even product design from time spent outdoors.

Do you know any resources for textile recycling?
A great option available right here in Portland is Ridwell. There is also For Days’ “Take Back Bag” program and Terracycle. Some cities have their own textile-specific recycling drop-offs!

Tell us your favorite secondhand shopping story?
My husband and I recently moved to Portland and during our first day exploring our new neighborhood, we discovered Consign Couture and I was SHOCKED at how well curated and not overwhelming CC felt (I will be the first to admit that secondhand shopping can feel fairly overwhelming for me). I found a pair of pants and shoes that I loved, but ultimately decided to hold off on buying them. The next day, my husband had gone back and purchased both items and surprised me with them for my birthday.

What challenges have you encountered while working to make Saturday Swim more environmentally sustainable? How have you addressed them?
Sustainability is at the core of Saturday Swimwear — from sourcing recycled materials to producing in small batches to minimize waste. One challenge is that eco-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing cost significantly more, which can make it harder to compete with fast fashion brands. But I’ve found that our customers want to invest in products that they know will last, align with their values, and fit well.

Tell us about your favorite outfit. What makes you feel your best, or the most “you”?
My go-to is a pair of dark grey straight denim jeans from Whimsy + Row, a black ribbed, cropped tank from Pepper, a thrifted, vintage Palmetto’s Fleece jacket, and my Blundstones. Despite working in the fashion industry, I love simplicity and most of my clothes are grey, black, or forest green.

What do you do in your free time?
You can usually find me outside — hiking, snowboarding, walking my dogs, or camping. I have recently rediscovered my love for reading and can always get down with a good book and a hammock hang.

Three things: The best thing you’ve read, the best thing you’ve watched or listened to, and the best thing you’ve eaten lately?
Read: I’ve been on a serious fantasy kick and just finished Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas.
Watched/Heard: We’re on The Last of Us train (RIP Pedro)
Eaten: Having just moved to Portland, it is hard to choose one thing, but we have been loving the croissants from Baker & Spice in Hillsdale!

(Bonus) A few small, local businesses you love:
Consign Couture (obviously!)
Origin Story
Baker & Spice
Make & Mary

x Emily