Interview Questions for Alyson

Please plan to set aside about 45 minutes to answer the interview questionnaire.

The purpose of the Nourish Co. interview series is to feature inspiring leaders in the spiritual, religious, cultural, and design fields. The interview series is a virtual space that shines light on topics not often discussed in our society. My hope is that this journal eventually becomes a glossary that people can turn to during the different seasons of the year and seasons of life, for healing, hope, and a sense of belonging.

With that being said, I encourage you to answer each question wholeheartedly, without worrying about typos. We will edit for grammar and clarity for you!

Thank you so much for your courage in sharing your story with the Nourish Co. community. I know there are so many people with whom your story will resonate deeply with.

Let's start with the basics:

Your name as you would like for it to appear in the post:

First Name

Last Name

Your company name as you would like for it to appear in the post:

Your social handles you’d like for us to link to in the post:

Insta, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

What pronouns do you use?

Please share a one sentence bio:

About you:

Tell me a bit about your background

Tell me a bit about your company.

How do you want people to feel when they wear one of your pieces?

What was your first encounter with ceramics and what drew you to ceramics as a craft?

As I understand, you used to work for an organization called Inner City Arts before starting your own company. Can you tell me a little bit about your time there?

Why did you decide to start Alyson Iwamoto Ceramics and can you tell me about how it began?

You have so many beautiful pieces from your jewelry to your little critter statues, where do you get your inspiration from? Who are some inspirational figures in your life?

What are some of your favorite stories about how your pieces have played an important role in people's lives or been a form of expression for them?

Has your Japanese American heritage informed your work? If so, how?

We've read in other interviews that going to Japan was a significant moment for you, can you share more about that experience with us? Were there moments that were particularly significant?

As someone who comes from a family with a history of forced incarceration, what are some ways big or small that you honor this legacy?

I’ve seen your adorable daughter, Aiko, in different Instagram posts. How has being married and a mother changed your perspective on the work you do or even your creative process?

Can you tell us a little bit about some of the cultural traditions that are meaningful to your family?

What has being in a multi-ethnic marriage taught you about cultural traditions and rituals?

Can you think of a significant memory in which you saw your identity changing as either a mother, wife, or an artist?

What lessons about art, culture, or life do you hope to pass down to your daughter or to the next generation?

Now for some rapid-fire, fun questions!

What are you most excited about for the future of Alyson Iwamoto Ceramics?

What are some off-brand skills or things you love, that not many people know about?

Anything new for your brand you’d like for us to help you to promote in the post.

Please include 2-3 images of yourself, your work, and a family photo or two.

The easiest way to share your photos is to use a file sharing service like Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, OneDrive, or WeTransfer. Upload your files, then copy the share link into the box below. We'll access the link and download the files. Please make sure photos are web res 300 dpi minimum when possible.

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