Ceramics by Tess

Since 2003, Thornton has worked with nonprofit organizations ARTreach and Arc of Katy to support art education and refine motor skills for children and adults with disabilities. As her art interests grew, Thornton yearned to leave a larger mark on the Katy community and moved forward with the launch of her studio, Ceramics by Tess, in 2006.

Two years later, Thornton was faced with becoming the sole provider for her family after the death of her husband and worked long hours to ensure her hobby could become a successful business model. As Ceramics by Tess continued to gain traction, Thornton was able to expand the studio from a small room to 4,500 square feet and open a new event area in 2011.

"My husband asked me when he found out I was [creating Ceramics by Tess], 'How do you know this is going to work? Where are your numbers?'" Thornton said. "I said, 'I don't have numbers. I have it here [in my heart].' I know if I keep having faith and if I work hard enough, it'll happen."

Offering an all-inclusive experience, the studio provides tools and supplies for guests of all ages to create clay sculptures, craft glass art projects and paint a variety of plaster molds ranging from seasonal items to cartoon characters. In addition, Thornton offers several specialty technique classes each month, such as dry brushing with acrylic paints and creating realistic designs.

"We teach them how to make something come alive and show them the process," Thornton said. "They start by painting the piece black, and we layer all these colors on. You start at the bottom, work your way up and add the finishing touches. We help teach them how to learn for themselves."

Ceramics by Tess employs about seven to 13 employees, depending on the season, and receives most of its business during the summer and the month of December when customers flock to the studio to create gifts for the holidays, Thornton said. It takes anywhere from three days to a week to process designs through the kiln and return completed products to customers, she said.

Since moving to Katy from Cibolo, Texas, in 1998, Thornton has made it a mission to teach herself the ins and outs of the art industry by watching YouTube how-to videos and webinars and enrolling in classes taught by local artists. Thornton said she plans to maintain the size of the studio and expand class offerings.

"I flunked art in high school," Thornton said. "I tell that to all the children that will listen to me. Just because you failed at something once doesn't mean that you're doomed. Learning all this stuff was just like learning how to ride a bike. You have to keep practicing and keep trying."

Painting a brighter future

Ever since she moved to Katy in 1998, owner Tess Thornton said she has been active in the community and frequently donates art supplies and raises funds for Katy ISD schools and nonprofit organizations. Thornton said she regularly holds special art classes at the studio for children and adults with disabilities and senior citizens with Alzheimer's disease.

"The funding has gone away for the arts to be in the schools as much as they used to be," Thornton said. "By offering [students] a chance to express [themselves] and not be sitting in a chair taking a test, they're learning and growing and experiencing life. I meet so many awesome kids. You can have a bad day and some kid will blurt something out, and it takes all your problems away and brings you back down to earth."

Ceramics by Tess, 402 W. Grand Parkway S., Ste. 115, Katy, 281-392-3161, www.ceramicsbytess.com, Hours: Tue.–Wed. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Thu. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. (open to public), 7–11 p.m. (adult BYOB night), Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Closed Mondays (only open for special events)