NISO Pottery
NISO Pottery is a ceramics studio focusing on hand-made and hand-painted ceramics. The studio finds immense joy in working in small batches, creating unique and thoughtful pieces. We also host Pottery Experience Sessions, Retreats, and Courses — offering immersive experiences that focus deeply on process and help participants tap into a “state of flow.” Located close to the beautiful Benaulim Beach in South Goa, India, the picturesque landscape of lush green paddy fields and golden sand beaches provides a continuous source of inspiration to our designs and our students.
Our Inspiration
Our studio is inspired by two beautiful and powerful concepts — hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) and flow.
Hygge is the Danish art of coziness — the quiet joy of simple pleasures, shared moments, and comfort found in the everyday. Whether it’s sipping coffee from your favorite mug or enjoying a bowl of ramen with loved ones (or by yourself), these little rituals embody hygge. Through our ceramics, we aim to bring a touch of hygge into your home — creating pieces that feel like warm hugs.
Flow describes the mental state where you become fully immersed in what you’re doing — where time slows, focus sharpens, and creativity flourishes. It is a place where the process becomes the reward. Our pottery training programmes are thoughtfully designed to help you experience this state, along with its benefits: enhanced creativity, emotional balance, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Together, hygge and flow guide everything we do — from how we create to what we hope you feel when you engage with our work.
Our Logo
Our logo — a turtle with a pottery wheel forming its shell — represents the deep connection between pottery and the wisdom of the turtle. Both celebrate slowness. In a world that moves at lightning speed, we believe in slowing down, being present, and appreciating meaningful moments. Pottery, like the turtle’s journey, is about patience, presence, and purpose. Our studio is located near Benaulim Beach and other beaches in South Goa, which are nesting sites for the endangered Olive Ridley Turtle. We strive to contribute in our own small way by raising awareness about their habitat and the importance of preserving beach ecosystems. We regularly collaborate with the local community and schools to support environmental education and beach conservation efforts.
Our Studio Space
We believe a space can do more than house creativity — it can inspire it.
Every corner of our pottery studio has been mindfully curated to feel like a sanctuary — a place to learn, grow, create and slow down. As you spend time here, you may notice a gentle shift in energy — a grounded calm that deepens with each visit.
Our outdoor workspace, where much of our pottery is made, is sheltered by a roof made using natural materials that blend beautifully with the surroundings. Green palms surround the studio, creating a serene boundary from the outside world.
Location
NISO Pottery is nestled in the beautiful village of Benaulim, South Goa, just a 10-minute walk from Benaulim Beach.
Spend a little time by the sea before or after your session — letting the sun, sand and slower pace of Goan life inspire and restore you.
You’ll also find plenty of lovely cafés and beach shacks nearby for a leisurely meal or a drink. We’ve marked a few of our favourites on the illustrated map, and we’re always happy to share more of our personal recommendations.
Nikita
Founder | Artist & Potter
An artist by calling, Nikita’s creative journey began in childhood through painting. She graduated in Economics from Delhi University and later earned her MBA from IIM Lucknow.
Over the next decade, she built a career in the corporate world, working as a Brand Manager with the Tata Group and later as Strategy Head at Melsh Sports. In a bold and intentional shift, she stepped away from corporate life to follow her true calling as an artist.
Nikita spent three years training as a potter across studios in the Indian Himalayas and Nepal. During her time in Nepal, she also trained as a sound healer using Tibetan Singing Bowls — an experience that continues to influence her artistic philosophy and approach to teaching.
Today, she leads NISO Pottery, bringing together her love for clay, art and mindful living to create work that is thoughtful, functional and timeless.
Sohan
Co-Founder | Behind the Scenes
With over two decades of experience in hospitality and guest experience, Sohan brings a deep understanding of service, operations and people-first leadership.
He oversees the studio’s operations and backend logistics, ensuring everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes so the team can focus on what they do best — creating.
The name NISO is inspired by Nikita and Sohan — partners in both life and work — and reflects the shared vision and collaborative spirit at the heart of the studio.
Meer
Senior Potter
Meer is a highly skilled potter with over 18 years of experience, coming from a family of traditional potters. His deep understanding of form, technique and craftsmanship is rooted in years of practice at the wheel.
He is particularly known for his mastery of hump throwing and his skill in throwing teapots — one of the more complex forms to master as a potter, requiring precision, balance and a keen understanding of form and function.
Calm, patient and generous with his knowledge, Meer is a valued teacher and mentor at NISO.
Mango
Chief Happiness Officer
Our extremely friendly Golden Retriever, Mango, is an important part of life at NISO.
You’ll often find him wandering around the studio, giving cuddles to participants, keeping an eye on the pottery wheel, or watching us glaze our latest pieces. He loves putting his paws on clay and finds everything we do utterly fascinating.
Mango also believes every good studio needs a few extra-large bowls — preferably made especially for him.
His job at NISO?
Welcoming guests, spreading happiness, and making sure there’s never a dull moment in the studio.
