The cup – the heart of unika:k

Why the mug means so much – both to unika:k and to me

– Tine Marie, creator of unika:k

In my business name, unika:k, the K stands for "kopper" (mugs) and "keramik" (ceramics). The original idea back in 2012 was actually to open a cafe in Copenhagen where the mug was central. Behind the coffee machine, there would be a large wall filled with mugs, and when you ordered coffee, you could choose which mug you wanted to drink from.

The project never materialized – partly because I had three small children at the time. Instead, I started the webshop with handmade ceramics. But the mug is still the heart of unika:k today.

The mug brings us together

When I look back, it makes more and more sense why the mug is central – both in unika:k and for me personally.

Because it's the mug that brings us together.

We bring it out when we want to cozy up, when we have guests, when we need a break, or when we want to treat ourselves or others.

I associate the mug with good times – with togetherness, presence, and something delicious in the mug. And when you appreciate what you're drinking, you also begin to appreciate the mug: how it feels in your hand, how it looks, and how it completes the experience.

Coffee breaks and memories

I have always loved a good coffee or tea break. It's not just the drink – it's the entire experience around it that matters. Throughout my upbringing, the coffee break was prioritized. A break where you stop, check in with each other, and find peace.

I particularly remember the coffee breaks at my grandparents' house. No matter when you arrived, there was always time to sit down at the table with a mug of freshly brewed coffee. Those breaks also taught me that the mug is not insignificant – and at their house, you could choose your favorite mug. These were coffee breaks with presence. The purpose was to relax in each other's company and enjoy the coffee. It taught me that coffee should not just be drunk quickly. It's about calm, presence, and gratitude. Almost a kind of meditation :)

The love for mugs and ceramics

My love for coffee and tea is closely linked to my passion for ceramics. Because when you truly enjoy your coffee or tea, the mug is not insignificant.

I grew to love mugs early on. My father's uncle owned a grocery store in Fakse Ladeplads, and as a child, I loved going there. It smelled of freshly ground coffee from the coffee grinder in the shop, and at their home, I was allowed to play with small porcelain mugs – it was the little "Måge" (Seagull) espresso mugs that caught my interest.

It must have been noticed because many years later, when I moved out, my father's uncle gave me those very mugs. And today, they are, of course, displayed in my kitchen along with selected favorites from the unika:k collection.

The mug as self-indulgence

For me, it's a form of self-indulgence to make my favorite coffee, choose the mug according to my mood, and sit down – either alone or with others.

Many of my customers say they choose their mug according to their mood – and I can certainly understand that.

A good and beautiful mug can make the break better. It can make you stop, breathe, and be present. The break not only stimulates your sense of taste but also your sense of touch, which the mug activates. Perhaps it's the soft glaze, the pleasant shape in your hand, or the warmth from the mug that does something good for your senses. You can even sense the craftsmanship and the time behind the mug when you hold a handmade mug. I respect all the time and thought that goes into the design and creation of a mug. It's not 'just a quick thing'.

A mug is not just a mug

The mug is much more than a product that simply holds coffee or tea. It is a symbol of coziness, memories, peace, and presence – with friends, family, or alone. And when we appreciate good coffee and breaks, either alone or with others, the mug's shape and appearance also matter. Because the visual appeal, the shape, and the feel in the hand all contribute to giving us the best coffee experience. - The mug is so much more than just a function.

Thanks for reading, Best, Tine Marie

Coffee and friends, make the perfect blend.

Explore our selection of handmade ceramic cups and mugs. See all handmade ceramic cups. Or find your favorite among our coffee cups.

If you are looking for a mug with a special message, you can also see our selection of mugs with text.