We do a LOT at Ruby Clay! From selling ceramic art supplies to artists, makers, and schools to handcrafting ceramic decor, repairing kilns, and selling artwork from artists all over the country, we do it all. Clay all day! It’s been quite the journey to get here!
Ruby Clay was founded by two friends Jessica Walker and Maddie Schmidt! Jessica and Maddie met at the University of Tulsa in 2014, and became fast friends. Both were studying art and spent much time together in the university's studios. They often daydreamed about working together to open a gallery or art business of some kind. After graduation, Maddie would go on to help open and then manage a gift and decor boutique, and Jessica would work for an arts education non-profit.
Maddie and Jessica signing the lease for Ruby Clay's building in January of 2023.
After working in separate industries for some time, they were both looking for a change and revisited the idea of opening a business together. The two were members at a new ceramic art studio in town, Red Heat Ceramics. They noticed a lack of access to ceramic supplies in Tulsa, and formulated a business plan to bring better supply availability to schools, artists, and makers.
In the year-long effort to open Ruby Clay, Jessica and Maddie met Lauren Haskell, the designer and owner of Lo Home. Lauren is an interior decorator, and before meeting Jessica and Maddie had become the premier manufacturer of a line of ceramic ginger jars and other heirloom quality ceramic decor. After several years of operation in Tulsa, Lauren was looking to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of managing Lo Home’s ceramic production facility. Ruby Clay seemed like a natural fit, so Jessica and Maddie purchased and took over the production of Lo Home’s ceramic decor in January of 2023, retaining Lauren’s expert staff. Ruby Clay officially opened its storefront soon afterward. Since then Lauren has continued to work with Lo Home to develop new decor designs.
Katie, Maddie, and Jessica unpacking Ruby Clay's first order from Kemper Tools.
After going into business in January of 2023, Ruby Clay quickly became a staple for ceramic artists and potters of all kinds! It was so exciting to see so many artists we had never met before come out of the woodwork! In addition to continuing the Lo Home line of ceramic decor, Jessica and Maddie started a line of ceramic decor under the Ruby Clay name. Maddie and Ruby’s production manager, Katie, have become kiln repair specialists and repair kilns all over the state of Oklahoma. Ruby Clay offers more and more products, events, and services all the time, and we are so excited to have you on this journey with us!
The Ruby Clay staff with their significant others at Ruby Market 2025.