My day in cups of tea
WE ASKED SEJAL PATEL, A LEICESTER- BASED CERAMICIST, TO TELL US ABOUT HER DAY IN CUPPAS
Morning! First cuppa and what’s happening?
My mum is normally up before me and has the Indian masala tea on the stove ready. It’s made with equal parts water and milk, fresh grated ginger, loose tea, sugar and tea masala. The tea masala is made from ground cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, white pepper and nutmeg.
Sounds delicious! Do you have far to go for your work?
I run my own handmade ceramic business, where I make porcelain vases and mini gift items from my home studio in a converted garage. I simply pop in and out to check on my work.
How do you separate your work and home life?
My bedroom is the place where I go to when I need a little time out, it’s my sanctuary. I’ve a little area in my room where I practise meditation. I also enjoy sitting in front of the TV catching up on my soaps, or reading a book.
How does your day tend to pan out?
Once I’ve got things going in the studio, I tend to spend my time between there and my living room where I sort out online orders, emails and admin. When a customer messages me to tell me how pleased they are with their item, it means so much.
Who do you enjoy sharing a chai and a chat with?
My family – we have what we call ‘Tea Thursday’. It’s my parents’ day off and my brother comes round with his wife and my nephew.
When do you down tools for the day?
Some days I might be working until 12am; other days 4pm. It really depends on what it’s like for me in the studio – if I’m waiting for things to dry or if I need to get the kiln on by a certain time and so on.
And on that note, what’s your last relaxing cup of the day?
Either a cup of hot chocolate or Horlicks, and maybe a biscuit or two…