about
who is Haataja Designs?
haataja designs is all about fostering creativity and cultivating beauty.
We believe that bringing your artistic visions to life, taking your creative talents to a new level, and providing a supportive community are vital to the health of you and the world.
Our business operates out of our home studio in Esko, MN. If you take one of our classes or end up at one of sales, it’s likely you’ll also catch a glimpse of the Finnish roots that run deep in the Haataja family.
Zachris started screen printing at 17 when he purchased a retired press from the Esko school. His mom, Fay, did most of the pottery instruction at the beginning, when the studio was still in her garage. The printing and pottery equipment have had a few different homes, but they are currently settled in work spaces at Zachris and Tressa’s home. Though Fay has mostly stepped back from her roles and ownership at Haataja Designs, we still occasionally call on her for assistance and consultation of pottery and design projects. She happily obliges, and we are grateful for her skills and expertise!
Tressa’s role involves client communications, book work (putting that accounting degree to use!), moral support, and being the official “glaze girl” for Haataja Designs (even though glaze work is shared about 50/50 between her and Zachris).
Together, we hope to create products and experiences that weave beauty and community into your life. We are not always perfect, and neither are the things we make, but in life - relationships, pottery, visual art -there is always room for growth. Let’s make it happen together.
“Warm and welcoming studio. Picked out a few special pieces for our kitchen. Next time we have to sign up for classes.”
— 5 Star Google Review