From Frustration to Faith: My Journey Back to Purpose Through Ceramics and Creativity
By Erin du Preez -Selah Lifestyle UK
If you've ever felt stuck in a job that doesn’t fulfill you, or if you’ve struggled to launch the business you know you're meant to build you're not alone. I’m sharing my story not only to inspire, but to connect with others on a similar path. This is a journey of frustration, faith, and finding purpose again through creativity.
From Part-Time Teaching to Purpose Misalignment
Right now, I work part-time as a teacher. The hours are inconsistent, the pay isn’t enough to support my family, and if I’m honest I don’t feel aligned with the work. Every day, I wrestle with the gap between where I am and where I know I’m supposed to be.
And maybe you’ve felt that too. That ache in your spirit that whispers, “There’s more.”
Rediscovering My Calling Through Ceramics
Over 15 years ago, I began making ceramics in Cape Town, South Africa. At the time, I was healing from a painful divorce and had recently rededicated my life to Jesus. Though I’d grown up in a Christian home, this was the moment I fully surrendered everything to Him.
Ceramics became a beautiful expression of that healing. My mother, a lifelong potter, introduced me to clay. It quickly became more than a hobby it was therapy, worship, and creativity all wrapped into one. I started a home studio and began a small business, handcrafting pottery with scripture imprinted on each piece.
It was a way to create something meaningful while sharing God’s word. My heart was full. My hands had purpose.
Life Interrupted: Immigration, Motherhood & Survival Mode
Fast forward ten years, and life had shifted dramatically. I remarried, moved to the UK, became a mom, bought a house and like many families, we hustled to make ends meet. I took on temporary jobs, and we even hosted international students to keep our household running.
Somewhere along the way, my ceramics business was put on hold. Not out of choice, but out of necessity. And yet, the desire never left. That calling to create… it’s still burning inside me.
Struggling to Restart the Dream
Now, after years of survival mode, I’ve been trying to resurrect my business. And it’s hard. Really hard.
Time is limited. Energy is scarce. And let’s be honest—starting a business from scratch, especially while parenting, teaching, and managing a household, is overwhelming.
But I believe that when God places a dream in our hearts, He never wastes it. Even when it feels delayed. Even when it feels buried.
Faith-Driven Entrepreneurship: A Community of Creators
If you’re reading this because you’re in the same boat, longing to start a faith-driven business, or revive a creative dream, you’re not alone. I believe that now more than ever, we need a community of believers who are building businesses not just for profit, but for purpose.
So here I am, sharing my story with raw honesty. I’m not at the finish line, I’m at the messy middle. But I know that God doesn’t lead us this far just to leave us here.
If you’re a Christian entrepreneur, a creative mum, or a believer in the power of purpose-driven work, I’d love to connect with you. Share your story in the comments or send me a message. Let’s encourage each other as we build businesses that reflect both our calling and our Creator.
Follow Along My Journey
I’ll be sharing more about:
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How I’m relaunching my ceramic business with intention
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Faith-based insights for entrepreneurs and makers
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Behind-the-scenes of a creative business built on scripture and love
Stay tuned. Subscribe. And most of all - don’t give up.
Because purpose may pause, but it never disappears.
✨ Shop My Faith-Inspired Ceramics
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