Meet the Etsy Store Owner Who Turned Her Ceramics Hobby Into a Lucrative Side Hustle

When was the last time you took a class just for fun? Whether you’re learning a foreign language, ballet moves, or a new art form, you never know what small interests could turn into a full-fledged hobby and spark a lifelong passion. That’s what happened to Robyn Molnar, the Toronto-based owner of Etsy shop Nightshift Ceramics. After taking a ceramics class in her free time, Robyn realized she actually had a real talent and began making her own creations professionally.

Her shop is small, but the designs are full of meaning and personality. She sells planters, incense holders, and small trays—the kinds of little things that turn a house into a home. You’ll find lots of colors, patterns, and handmade charm in all of Nightshift’s offerings, plus everything has that unique feel that you won’t find in mass-produced products.

We talked to Robyn recently about how she handles two part-time jobs, why she loves the Etsy community, and how she got started as an amateur ceramic artist. Check out our conversation below, and be sure to explore her entire shop here.

What is the inspiration behind Nightshift Ceramics? 

The inspiration is really about fun, lightheartedness—like that feeling you have on a great summer day hanging out in the sun. I want my products to be a real-life interpretation of that kind of glow!

What made you want to start selling on Etsy? What has selling on Etsy done for your business? 

I joined Etsy as a shopper pretty early on (in 2008) and also dabbled with selling vintage clothing there as well, so I knew it was a community that I enjoyed being a part of. When I started making ceramics it seemed like the perfect fit for my shop. 

My customers on Etsy are so lovely, and really appreciate handmade products and what I do. I know there is no way I could have brought the kind of traffic to my own website that I see on Etsy, and selling there has really helped my business grow.

How long have you been making your ceramics? How did you get started? 

I have not been at it very long, actually—only about 3 years. There was a period where I was taking a lot of random classes, just as something to do after work, and a ceramics class was one of them. I remember feeling like, “I could do this all day long!” And so I continued to take a few more courses and get the basics, and then continued practicing a lot. At the same time, I was working at a studio which held workshops and events, and there was an opportunity to sell pieces there, so I gave it a try. The first market was a success, so I kept going, growing my offerings and brand.

Is your craft/store your full-time job? If not, what is? Do you have any employees? 

No, Nightshift is still part-time for me. I also work part-time for Hawkly Jewelry, doing some admin and many more varied tasks. It’s one of the great things about working for a small business—you get to do and learn so many things because there is not one person dedicated to one job.

 What is the best-selling item in your shop? 

The incense holders, for sure, followed closely by the terrazzo ashtray.

 What’s the story behind the name “Nightshift”?

I knew when I started thinking about names I wanted something that referenced the night. I think there can be a kind of magic in late-night work and the creative ideas that can pop up in those hours.  Also, since this actually is my “night shift” job, it just seemed right!

Where do you create your products? 

I work from a shared studio in downtown Toronto. Although I do enjoy working alone, it’s been great not to be totally isolated every day.

Do you have a favorite Etsy store (besides your own, of course!) 

Oh yes, there are many that I love! In particular, I love the retro vibes of Lucky Horse Press. Bethany Leah Jones is an illustrator I recently discovered who’s great, and there are so many pro vintage shops—Persephone Vintage does amazing styling and I want every item they post.

 Have you ever received any weird custom requests? 

Ooh, not yet! But I look forward to receiving one (haha).

Whats one hard part of your work that people may not realize? 

How long everything takes! The ceramic process involves many steps and a lot of waiting in between for things to dry, be fired, etc. It usually takes a few weeks for pieces to be completed from start to finish.

What do you do for inspiration when you’re stuck?  

If I feel stuck, I like to abandon what I am doing for a while and do something totally unrelated. Watch a movie, go for a walk, just get out of that space physically and mentally. Then when I return to it, I can usually see things with a bit more clarity.

 Which celebrity would you most like to buy one of your products? 

I would absolutely love it if Ilana Glazer or Abbi Jacobson had one of my products in their homes!

How do you imagine people using your products at home? 

My hope is that however people are using my products, they brighten their day a little! Doing this work is so fun, and I hope that I can share a little bit of that happiness with others.