2025 Play Day with the Softstar Elves
Here at Softstar, we take having fun very seriously. As is tradition in the Softstar workshop, the Elves got together this month for our annual Play Day, an afternoon full of crafts and socializing meant to encourage creativity and foster team comradery. This year, our Play Day took place at CeramiCafe, a locally owned pottery studio that recently opened a location in downtown Corvallis.
While carefully applying water-based paints to a clay sculpture of their choice, the Elves struck up thoughtful team conversations, learning fun new facts about one another and discussing some of the challenges of painting clay. From the chalky feel of greenware to the matte appearance of the unfired paints, each person described a slightly different experience. Even beyond the pottery and playful banter, Play Day is about something bigger. It’s about connection. By the end of the afternoon, everyone could agree that it was a wonderful way to spend time together as coworkers.
Fun is just one of the pillars that supports our business; another is creating a community of employees that truly values one another for who they are. Play Days give us a chance to pause our daily shoemaking duties and dedicate time to strengthening our team. When we take a break from our daily routine, we get to simply enjoy each other’s company, share a laugh, and celebrate the creative spirit that makes Softstar special.
Ryan joined the Softstar team near the end of 2024 and is involved in Marketing, IT, and Data Analysis, among other areas. Outside of the workshop, he spends his time playing games with friends, bicycling around the Corvallis area, and performing music with several local ensembles. As a lifelong resident of the Willamette Valley, Ryan also loves to hike and explore the nearby forests throughout the Coast Range and Cascade Mountains.