Jon Schmidt is a potter, entrepreneur, adventurer, videographer, photographer, father, and husband. He is from Waconia, Minnesota. He began his love for pottery after studying abroad in India for 4 months in 2009. In 2010, Jon took his first wheel throwing class at Gustavus Adolphus in St. Peter, MN. In 2011, at 21 years old, Jon purchased a coffee shop called Mocha Monkey. He built a small pottery studio in the basement of the shop. Mocha Monkey grew from one location to three locations. This shop uses and sells all handmade Jon Schmidt pottery including mugs, plates, and bowls. His pottery is inspired by the natural world around us. Jon is known for his Minnesota mug and has gained a large following on his youtube channel known as "Jonthepotter." 

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Jon's pieces are layered with glaze as well as wax resist to keep some parts matte. One of his specialties is making hand-warmer mugs and combination chip-and-dip bowls. He throws his wheel pieces standing up, which is unusual, but allows for a greater range of mobility.

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