By: Bela Sparks

Just Clay Jax is a small-batch pottery business in the Orange Park area that operates out of the Atlantic Pottery Supply studio.  

Shelby Miller operates the small business, and her family members often help out when she sells her handmade ceramics in markets around Jacksonville. Shelby’s sister, Abigail Miller, can usually be found when Just Clay Jax is present at Market Wednesdays on the University of North Florida’s campus.  

Shelby makes all the pieces herself in the studio, where she also teaches pottery classes during the week. She makes all sorts of pieces, ranging from painted mugs to intricate trinket dishes. Her sister occasionally helps her with the glazing process, and her mother paints the more intricate designs that Shelby finds difficult to do.  

Shelby says that the clay-throwing process is one of her favorite creative outlets. She can easily spend hours sculpting with her hands. The process teaches great patience, often requiring hours or weeks to fire the clay in the kiln. 

Just Clay Jax sells their ceramics at markets and pop-ups all over the city, most often on UNF’s campus or in the Orange Park area. There is also the option to order custom pieces from the business’s Etsy shop if buyers are looking for something a bit more personal. The business looks to sell in more markets all over Florida and wants to eventually expand to out-of-state conventions.