In a nod to our Pursuit of Happiness collection, Fair Harbor Team members reveal the creative ways they find their own bliss. 

There are as many ways to cultivate joy as there are to experience it. Our latest Pursuit of Happiness collection celebrates this ongoing quest for good times and broad smiles, no matter where or how you find them. Inspired by the upbeat attitudes of our Fair Harbor crew, we asked them to share how they nurture their own happiness. These are their stories.

What activity brings you joy?

Ceramics!

Tell us more about it.

I work on ceramics at friends' studios, at community studios, or anywhere I can find a pottery wheel and a kiln.

How did you discover it?

I tapped into ceramics on a whim when I was given the opportunity to specialize in ceramics and sculpture for four years in high school. There was an incredibly steep learning curve and the majority of my first few pieces were absolute dumpster-fire disasters, but I began to find the studio to be a retreat. I was re-introduced to my love for ceramics during the pandemic. Baking sourdough and Zooming with friends weren't entirely doing it for me and I got to know Beau Rush Ceramics. So I took 6 months off school and dove headfirst into production and studio assistant life. I would spend 30-40 hours a week in the studio at our peak times working on serving ware for restaurants and individuals!

Why does it make you happy? 

Over the course of the pandemic so much of life (socializing, my university classes, and work) shifted to digital spaces. Ceramics allowed me to indulge in the opposite—it is so tactile, and the focus is on form and feel. It has provided the perfect outlet. Ceramics is a fragile art and it has also taught me to be patient and gentle, detail-oriented yet unattached. There is no greater surprise than opening the kiln after glazing to discover all sorts of beautiful accidents. I often Zen out sitting on the wheel and clearing my mind alone has proved to be such a treat. It turns out the seemingly mundane and ordinary things like the dishes you serve meals on can also bring you delight!

What activity brings you joy? 

Spending time at our cabin upstate in the Catskills. 

Tell us more about it.

It's located in a tiny town called Andes in the Catskills mountains of New York. My partner Andrew and I go there as often as possible, typically every weekend.

How did you discover it? 

I went on a camping trip with a friend in the late summer of 2019 to Woodland Valley campground right outside of a small artsy Catskill town called Phoenicia. I fell in love with the nature and magic of the region.

Why does it make you happy? 

Growing up in Texas, I was outside a lot. We grew up half in the city and half in super remote hunting and fishing ranches, where our dad worked managing wildlife and lakes. After living in New York for 20 years, it feels like a return to my roots. It brings me peace and joy that is sometimes elusive in the city. It's also been a joy to make new friends, have new experiences, and enjoy any outdoor activity I could wish for: hiking, fishing, mountain biking, swimming, skiing, boating, etc. I also appreciate designing and creating a space that feels like home. Working on projects and slowly curating the inside and outside of the cabin is an ever-evolving process and so much fun to work on. It is a dream realized for me, and I pinch myself every time we start the drive up the 3-mile dirt road to get there.

What activity brings you joy?

Running 

Tell us more about it.

I run outside, all over New York City. Central Park and along the Hudson are my favorite. 

For the last two years, I have run with a group called We Run Uptown every Monday at 7:15 pm in Washington Heights. It's usually a group of between 20 to 50 people of varying abilities and diverse professions, and all ages who enjoy running. It's a supportive community, and after we run, we all gather at a local bar. It's basically a running party every Monday, so it's a great way to start the week. 

How did you discover it?

I didn't grow up being physically active. As I got older, I started focusing on health and wellness and going to the gym. But when the pandemic hit and the gyms were closed, and I was going stir crazy at home, I started going for walks until I convinced myself to try running. From there, I pushed myself to go further and further. Now I run anywhere from 3-10 miles. And soon, I'll be training for a half marathon in the fall. 

Why does it make you happy? 

When I'm stressed or anxious, going out for a run and getting some sunshine brings me great peace. I use it as meditation to gather my thoughts and clear my head. I focus on my breath, keeping my pace consistent, so I try to be present in the moment and aware of my surroundings. When I'm done running, I feel invigorated and accomplished and joyful to be with my friends. I feel like I did something positive that day.