CYNTHIA RAE LEVINE, 40, MINNEAPOLIS

Occupation: Ceramic artist, doula, prenatal yoga instructor

Salary: Variable

Education/Background: Degrees in French and studio arts (photography). For a long time I was waiting tables and just for a minute I did some prepping for photo stylists for commercial photography. I was trying to find something that was going to be able to be a decent time/money equation so that I'll then have time to be in the studio because that's really what I want to do.

You want to do ceramics more than the birthing work? I feel like the work I make in the studio is important because I have things to say and I have things to make. It's in a very quiet and a very subtle way, but the time in the studio also feels really selfish and self-indulgent. I really like the birth work because if feels like a nice balance; a really good way to serve.

What is a doula? A childbirth attendant. It's someone who offers both physical and emotional support during labor and delivery.

Why did you choose that career? I was always fascinated by childbirth. I learned that I could be involved in childbirth but wouldn't have to be in medical school. I didn't want to do that. I'm really happy with my role as a support person and not being in the medical part.

How is your time split up? I spend more time in the studio. It kind of goes in fits and starts as well. Lately, there's been much more time out of the studio because I had a show in the summer and a show in January and there was this back-to-back push and push. Then it was really necessary that I take some time off and get inspired by new things and have a step away from my work. But it's super-variable.

What do you like most about each part of your job? About the ceramics, I love making things. I've always loved making things. It's a time where I can just really explore and be quiet and in my mind. And the hope is that work is going to go out into the world and resonate with people. There's a couple things that I like about the birthing work. Seeing women in all of their strength and glory is so amazing and it's such an honor that people let me be with them at that really special time. Then there's the baby. It's just incredible and it's never not an amazing fabulous, wonderful miracle.

SARAH GORVIN