THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, July 5, 1995 TAG: 9507010188
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
JOYCE BALLARD CREATES delicate ceramics each week at her Southside Ceramics shop in Isle of Wight County.
She also builds airplane parts and turbines for Howmet Corp. in Hampton.
At both jobs, Ballard gets to do what she loves the most: create.
``I've always been real creative. Ever since I was young, I've worked on crafts. I've sewed since I was 12 years old.''
In 1991, when she remarried, Ballard made her own wedding gown. She also arranged all the flowers and made the cake for the big event.
But what Ballard is even prouder of is building her own small business. She opened Southside Ceramics exactly one year ago today on U.S. 17 in Carrollton, just down the road from her home.
``We have 1,300 molds in the shop, and I'm constantly buying more. When it comes to painting, everyone has a talent. There's something that anyone can paint, whether it's glazing, dry-brushing or antiquing.''
In fact, Ballard and several customers entered 19 pieces in the Ceramic and Doll Show held June 9-10 at the Virginia Beach Pavilion. They won 20 ribbons: best-in-show, nine first places, four second places, five third places and one honorable mention.
``We did pretty good,'' Ballard says.
She also offers free ceramic classes at her shop. Supplies are the only cost to customers.
``I still take classes myself, when I have the time. Each class teaches you something you didn't know.''
Name: Joyce Ballard
What brought you to Isle of Wight? Marriage to my husband.
Birthdate/hometown: Oct. 18, 1958/Newport News
Fondest childhood memory: On Christmas or Christmas Eve, when our whole family would get together.
Marital status/children: Married with three children, two stepchildren and one grandson.
Pets: Black Lab named Precious
First job/worst job: Dunkin Donuts/sandblaster
Occupation: Dimension inspector at Howmet Corp., and small-business owner.
If you had a choice, what other job would you choose? Running my ceramic shop full time.
What's your favorite hangout? My ceramic shop.
Favorite night out on the town: A night cruise on the Spirit of Norfolk.
Favorite food/drink: Shrimp and cheese cake/strawberry margarita.
Favorite movies/TV show: ``Ghost'' and ``Sea Quest.''
A book you wish everyone would read: ``Butterfly.''
Ideal vacation: a cruise
I can't resist . . . buying new molds for my ceramic shop. Customers always have something new to choose from.
Few people know that I . . . collect clowns.
If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would invest some of it, remember all my family and close friends, give each one of my children some money to spend, open some recreation facility for teens and donate some.
What is the best advice you've been given, and by whom? Don't be afraid to take a chance - by my family.
The best thing about yourself: My ambition.
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? My children - so I could have the advantages and opportunities they have today.
Of what achievements are you most proud? My children and my ceramics shop.
Something you wish to say but haven't: I don't know. I say whatever is on my mind. I'm very outspoken. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB