Alumni Spotlight: David Rollins
There’s something special about watching a Trinity graduate take what they’ve learned and pour it back into the community. For alumnus David Rollins, that calling has taken shape—quite literally—in clay.
As the founder of BellyFire Studios, David is building a hospitality brand, centered around pottery, creativity, connection, and hands-on experiences. What began years ago as a simple mobile app concept eventually evolved into a studio on Lee Drive in Baton Rouge. BellyFire has since added a membership-focused studio on Government Street, followed by a third location in Uptown, New Orleans. They are preparing to launch a fourth studio this year.
Today, BellyFire offers paint-your-own pottery, wheel-throwing classes, memberships, camps, team-building events, and workshops for thousands of people across Louisiana. But at its heart, the mission remains simple: helping people rediscover the joy of creating something with their own hands.
David believes that in a world increasingly centered around screens and passive consumption, there is something deeply meaningful about slowing down and making something tangible. BellyFire was built around that philosophy — “Creation > Consumption” — encouraging people to step away from distraction and reconnect with creativity, community, and intentional experiences.
Some of David’s fondest memories from Trinity involve creativity and community as well. He remembers playing foursquare outside during recess, attending art class, participating in the school musical, and the fifth-grade trip to Camp Highlander. Many of the friendships he formed during his time at Trinity still remain strong today, including several classmates he has known since third grade.
That sense of curiosity, imagination, and encouragement left a lasting impact. At Trinity, students are taught not only to explore their talents, but to use them in ways that positively impact others. David’s work through BellyFire reflects that same spirit — creating spaces where families, friends, students, and artists can gather together and experience the value of making something real.
Families now gather around BellyFire tables painting mugs and plates. Friends laugh together during pottery classes and date nights. Artists find spaces to grow their skills and share their work with others. What began as a small creative idea has grown into a thriving community built around art, connection, and human creativity.
Through BellyFire, David Rollins is doing more than making pottery. He’s helping people rediscover the value of slowing down, creating together, and finding meaning through art — one piece at a time.