Un Día a la Vez: The Colorful Journey of Abril Robbins and Freewheelin’ Goods

There’s a certain kind of magic that comes from the desert, a light that softens everything it touches and sparks creativity in unexpected ways. For artist and entrepreneur Abril Robbins, that light was the beginning of everything. Raised in El Paso, Texas, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the desert and the warmth of a Mexican household, Robbins’ world was filled with color, connection, and cultural pride. “Being raised in a Mexican family household, I was immersed in a vibrant, close-knit community that celebrated culture, color, and tradition,” she says. That foundation shaped her perspective and, eventually, her art and became the heart of her business, Freewheelin’ Goods.

Her love of art first bloomed in high school, thanks to a teacher who saw her potential. “He went out of his way to inspire us,” she recalls. “He’d invite former students, many who’d gone on to pursue creative careers, to come speak to our class. Hearing their stories made it feel real and possible.” That sense of possibility sparked her confidence. Art was no longer just a hobby, it was a future. In college, Robbins discovered oil painting and, later, pottery, mediums that demanded both patience and playfulness. “Painting became my primary medium. Later, I discovered pottery, which challenged me in new and exciting ways,” she says. The combination of discipline and creativity mirrored her upbringing, where resilience and optimism were daily lessons. “My upbringing taught me the value of seeing the bright side of things. I carry that into my work. I make art to express my colorful imagination and celebrate the beauty of both my roots and my journey.”

For Robbins, one of her greatest influences has always been her mother. “She immigrated from Mexico and raised me and my two siblings as a single mother,” she shares. “Despite the many struggles she faced, she persevered to give us a better future.” Her mother’s determination became the blueprint for how Robbins approached her own challenges, especially as an artist building something from the ground up. “Her belief in me gave me the confidence to follow my creative path, and I carry her strength with me in everything I do.” That strength proved essential when she decided to turn her artistic passion into something tangible. The idea for Freewheelin' Goods took root during her final year of college, when two ceramics classes completely shifted her creative direction. “Pottery was a real challenge at first, but that only made me more determined to keep going,” she says. After graduating, she continued learning at the Dougherty Arts Center in Austin and volunteered at Imagine Art, a nonprofit that empowers artists with disabilities. “It was a beautiful and inspiring experience and in return, I got the chance to work in their studio space, which was such a gift.”

When the pandemic shut down studios, Robbins found herself at a crossroads. Instead of slowing down, she decided to invest in her dream. “I got my own pottery wheel, and that became a turning point,” she says. “Having my own equipment gave me the space and time to really strengthen my throwing skills and develop my style.” That commitment laid the foundation for  Freewheelin’ Goods, a brand celebrating handcrafted art and the human touch behind every creation. “My greatest accomplishment so far has been taking the leap to create and run my own business,” she says. “It takes an incredible amount of work being the artist, the admin, the photographer, the marketer, and showing up in person for markets, all while holding down a full-time job.” What keeps her going is connection. “Knowing that pieces I’ve made with my own hands have found homes with people from all over, it’s a reminder of why I started in the first place.” Of course, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. “One of the biggest was access to the right tools, especially a kiln,” Robbins explains. “They require more power than most homes can handle, and I didn’t have the money or space to install one.” Rather than stop creating, she adapted. “I discovered a few local ceramic artists who offered kilnshare services. Now, I take my work to them and they fire it for a fee.”

If there’s one lesson Robbins has learned, it’s that failure is part of the process. “One of the most important decisions I’ve made is allowing myself to fail and to keep showing up anyway,” she says. “Every mistake has pushed me to figure out how to improve and grow not just as an artist, but as a person.” Letting go of perfection has also been liberating. “Perfection isn’t realistic, especially in art and honestly, it’s not the goal,” she says. “Letting go of that pressure has given me the freedom to explore, experiment, and stay connected to the joy of creating.” That joy radiates through every ceramic mug, bowl, and vase she shapes. Each piece bears her fingerprints, small reminders that beauty lies in imperfection.

And the world is ready. The U.S. handcrafted art and artisanal goods market is projected to reach $666.3 billion by 2033, growing at 8.09% annually (IMARC Group, 2024). Meanwhile, the global pottery ceramics market—which includes handmade and small-batch ceramic art—was valued at $11.83 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit $17.27 billion by 2033 (Grand View Research, 2024). The data confirms what Robbins already knows: people crave authenticity, connection, and artistry—the very soul of  Freewheelin’ Goods.

Balancing her business with a full-time job isn’t easy, but Robbins manages with intention. “My free time is limited, so I’ve had to be really intentional about how I use it,” she says. With careful planning and a calendar full of reminders, she makes space for her art without letting it consume her. “That way, I don’t feel overwhelmed. I can still enjoy creating without turning it into pressure.” Her inspiration often comes from movement and nature. “I stay motivated by getting outside and staying curious,” she says. “I love to travel and spend time in nature, it helps me clear my mind and stay grounded.” Recently, she’s been experimenting with new mediums, like risograph printing. “It’s been exciting to work in a completely different format; it challenges me and opens up fresh perspectives.”

When asked what advice she’d give to other women chasing creative dreams, she doesn’t hesitate. “Do it! Don’t wait for the ‘perfect’ time. Growth happens in the process,” she says. “There’s space for your voice and your vision, and the world needs more women following their passions unapologetically.”

As she looks ahead, Robbins is focused on growth. “I’m preparing for upcoming holiday markets and creating new collections that I’m really excited to share,” she says. She’s also working closely with a ceramic mentor to refine her craft and apply for future residencies. “One of my current goals is developing a collection of larger ceramic pieces, which has pushed me to grow technically and think more intentionally about scale and form.” Her guiding mantra, “Un día a la vez” or ‘one day at a time’ in English, reminds her to stay grounded. “It’s a gentle way to ease the pressure, accept what I can control, and keep moving forward,” she says.

In sharing her story through Freewheelin’ Goods, Abril Robbins reminds us that creativity is a journey, not a destination. It’s shaped by resilience, fueled by community, and guided by color, culture, and courage. And at the heart of it all is a simple truth she lives by every day: one day, one piece, one act of creation at a time.

Head over to Freewheelin’ Goods and her Instagram to see what happens when clay meets creativity—it’s like therapy, but prettier.