Meet Helen Levi

“Helen grew up in NYC, in the East Village. She left to go to Oberlin in Ohio where she studied photography, and then moved back home when she graduated. She now makes ceramics in her new studio in Red Hook. ”

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on her morning routine

I can't rush out of the house in the morning. I need to have a slow cup of tea and browse the web before I leave. I have a strict tea-only routine with lots of milk and honey. Then I take the dog to run somewhere before I head to the studio, either the park or the beach, to tire him out so he doesn't bug me too much while I'm working.

on finding her interests

I studied photography and I really thought that's what I would do forever. But it never came together how I thought. The digital and commercial world wasn't a good fit for me and so I was always balancing several part time jobs and trying to do my own photo projects on the side. Pottery was a lifelong hobby that never occurred to me to be a viable career option. I happened to meet Steven Alan as he was preparing to open his home goods store and he took a chance on me, having never sold my pottery before, and I discovered a new path.

“‘The Only Ones’ is a fantastic new book set in the dystopian future. It’s also the debut novel from my aunt who is a longtime music writer.”

— on her favorite book

on her beauty routine

I don't have any clue how to buy or use products. The only thing I rely on is Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer, which is something my mom has always used. The most I'll do is put on CoverGirl LashBlast Volume + Length Mascara when I want to feel "put together." I also recommend Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm in Peppermint and Lavande Royale By Roger & Gallet Deodorant Spray.

on her shopping habits

For jeans I pretty much only wear Levi's, which I buy new and vintage. They've always fit my body best. I get basic tees and things from J Crew, Jungmaven, and sometimes tees from American Eagle Outfitters which is a funny throwback to being in high school. I'm also blessed to be friends with a couple great designers who I can trade pots for new things; notably Ellen of Dusen Dusen who has majorly upgraded my closet.

On how she finds her jumpsuits

I find the best jumpsuits with the vaguest keywords, and then just spending a bunch of time scrolling through the results. You really have to be in the right mood to sift through 20 pages of "cotton jumpsuit."

helen's favorite books

The Joy of Cooking by Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker, and Ethan Becker, Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser, The Only Ones by Carola Dibbell, and Mondo Boxo by Roz Chast