Steph’s Journey: Overcoming the Odds Through Clay
By Disabilities Editor, Ellise Hollie-Hayward
At just 28 years old, Somerset’s own Steph Chamberlain has already defied the odds and is now inspiring others with her creative journey into pottery.
Steph Chamberlain is 28 years old and from Somerset, although she was born in Wandsworth, London. She moved to Somerset with her parents when she was one year old.
She loves dogs and always dreamed of having one while growing up. At the age of 8, Steph was fortunate enough to have that dream come true when people from Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge set up a fundraiser to get her first dog, Kimmy.
Kimmy is a yellow Labrador and has changed her life, which led Steph down the path of working with animals. She went on to study animal care and management between 2013 and 2015.
She recently got married to her husband, Aaron, in 2022. He’s been very supportive throughout her pottery journey. Her hobbies include gaming, knitting one-handed, tattoos, and of course — pottery.
Steph was born on October 5th and faced complications at birth. She was starved of oxygen for 10 minutes, which led to her developing cerebral palsy. It affects the left side of her body and causes spasms.
Growing up, she was told she might never be able to talk or walk — but she proved everyone wrong. She skipped crawling and went straight to walking. And although she stutters when she has a spasm, she can speak.
Before Steph got into pottery, she owned her own dog walking and pet sitting business. That continued until 2020, when COVID-19 and lockdowns were introduced. During those lockdowns, she realised she loved being creative. Her mum bought her lots of craft supplies to keep them busy during lockdown.
It was around this time Steph started watching The Great Pottery Throw Down. The show made her realise it was something she would love to try.
In 2022, she got the confidence to apply for an adults-only evening pottery course — and from that moment, she was hooked.
Steph was also diagnosed with autism. She finds the feel of the clay and the focus it requires to be very soothing.
While in college, she made all sorts of pieces, but her most important work is her Grecian head. The class assignment was to do a self-portrait, but Steph knew she didn’t want to apply facial features.
She now sells mugs, dog bowls, dog plaques, coasters, and little dishes at craft fairs — and she’s beginning to get back into creating more artistic pieces.
Steph wants everyone to know:
"Never underestimate the ability and strength within you. We are able to still live a fulfilled life, even through adversity."
