An Inspired Chat with Caroline Reber of South Atlanta

Caroline Reber shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Caroline, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Paddleboarding! I have always had a strong affinity for and connection to water. As a little girl I was always the first one to jump in the ocean or lake as soon as physically possible. My dream for as long as I can remember has been to live near water– the ocean, a lake, a creek– it doesn’t matter as long as I’m near water (although if I had to choose, the ocean has my heart). So this year, in a desperate attempt to find a creative solution to finding a way to swim and surround myself with water, I took up paddleboarding! It has been such a source of joy this summer, and a way for me to rejuvenate my soul out in nature.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Caroline, and I am the founder, owner and artist behind lovingkindness co. lovingkindness co is my small art business, with a mission to incorporate beauty into the everyday “mundane” moments through thoughtful and intentional art. I specialize in primarily functional, yet beautiful, ceramic work, with the hope to branch out and expand products some day soon! Each ceramic piece is hand-thrown or hand-built, as well as hand-carved, hand-painted, or hand-drawn. Because of this, I consider my ceramics to be “small batch” ceramics, as each piece takes a while to create, design, and fire and is released in small batches at a time.

My style could be described as earthy, natural, and delicate. I am constantly inspired by the natural world around me; particularly the dainty, intricate blooms and foliage that surround me daily. I love wildflowers especially, and much of my work is inspired by some of the most humble; Dandelions, Queen Anne’s Lace, Goldenrod, White Asters, etc. As I mentioned previously, almost every piece I create is either hand-carved, hand-drawn, or hand-painted, with hand-carving being the most common. My hand-carving process can be time consuming and meticulous, but I love the idea of giving such care and attention to honor the most humble of wildflowers.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I think to answer this question I have to look back to who I was as a child. I have always been creative, but I think as a child I was more outgoing, less afraid of perceptions and expectations. I would create and express myself in ways that would terrify me now. I used to dance, put on plays, sing…and now? Just thinking of doing those things makes me sweat and shake in my boots! I think this is something to which a lot of us can relate. We remember a time before worries, anxiety, and responsibilities; a time before bullies, pessimists, and our own negative self dialogue. In some aspects I am still that same little girl. We both love to paint, we are both quiet but silly, and we love spending time outdoors. But in other aspects I can see stark differences. While I still love to paint, I often struggle to do so because of fear of expectations (my own and others). I am still silly, but only around those to whom I feel absolutely closest. Social anxiety is a constant struggle, and while I often feel drawn to be outside, I also feel the counterfeit pressure to “better use my time,” or the powerful pull of my screen addiction.

While I started my business for many reasons, one of them was certainly to construct a life and a career where I am able to prioritize physical and emotional wellbeing, and embrace a healthy lifestyle that suits the way I’m built.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
It’s ok to be quiet. It’s ok to be sensitive. You’re allowed to feel big feelings and take time to process and formulate a response. These things are gifts that the world doesn’t recognize in this age of noise and chaos, but you are created with intention and don’t need to change who you are in order to be loved. Embrace how you’re built, and in time you will find a community who loves you for you.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Feminist issues have always been heavy on my heart, in particular I see a need to empower women to know and embrace their own self worth, as well as empowering women to create and strive for a life they desire. It is soul crushing to see how stereotypes, standards and inequality affect the lives of every woman I know.

A very core part of my business is the desire to empower women. While right now it is promoted more quietly through the messages on the bottom of my mugs, or through the one-on-one interactions and connections I make with people through my business, my mission is to continue to grow awareness for women’s equality and empowerment through my art. I am continually brainstorming ways to do this as I continue to grow my business. If you are someone who is connected and involved in advocating these causes, I would love to connect and see if there is a way we could collaborate!

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would put down my phone!! So much of my time and energy is poured into screens, it is honestly terrifying how real the addiction is. It tears us away from embracing the present, and can cause such drastic negative effects. If I had only 10 years left, I would put down my phone, go outside, and rediscover the things that truly bring me joy!!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lovingkindnessco.com
• Instagram: @lovingkindness.co
• Facebook: Lovingkindness co.
• Other: TikTok: @lovingkindnessco