Hey there, pottery lovers!
If you’re anything like me, pottery started as a fun, creative outlet—a chance to get your hands dirty and lose yourself in the joy of shaping clay. But what if I told you that this soothing hobby could also turn into a profitable side hustle? That’s exactly what happened to me, and today I’m sharing how you can take your first steps toward making pottery a business that not only fuels your passion but also brings in extra income.
My Pottery Journey: From Hobby to Business
Let’s rewind to when I first discovered pottery. It was love at first spin on the wheel. At first, I created pieces for fun, gifting them to friends and family. But when I started selling my work at local markets, I realized that people were willing to pay for unique, handmade pottery. Soon, Peach Tree Pottery was born, and I’ve never looked back.
Turning my pottery hobby into a thriving business wasn’t an overnight success. It took time, effort, and learning from plenty of mistakes. But with the right systems and mindset, I was able to grow a business that now brings joy to collectors and supports my family. Let me share some of the steps that helped me get started so you can do the same.
Step 1: Set Up Your Home Studio
The beauty of pottery is that you don’t need a massive space to get started. A corner of your garage, basement, or even a spare room can work. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A Pottery Wheel: Invest in a beginner-friendly wheel. There are great options for all budgets.
- Clay and Tools: Start with a basic set of tools and a few bags of clay.
- A Kiln: If you’re serious about turning this into a business, a kiln is a must. You can also look into renting kiln time at local studios if buying one upfront isn’t feasible.
- Shelving and Workspace: Have plenty of space to store your pieces as they dry and work on your creations comfortably.
Step 2: Price Your Work Fairly
Pricing your pottery can feel tricky at first. You want your pieces to be accessible but also ensure you’re being compensated for your time and materials. Here’s a simple formula to start with:
- Calculate your material costs per piece.
- Add in an hourly wage for your time.
- Include overhead costs (like studio space and utilities).
- Add a profit margin to account for growth and reinvestment.
Remember, your work is valuable. Don’t undersell yourself—there’s a market for handmade, high-quality pottery.
Step 3: Find Your Buyers
Now that you’ve created your first collection, it’s time to find people who will fall in love with your work. Start small:
- Local Markets: These are a great way to meet buyers in person and get feedback.
- Social Media: Share your process, finished pieces, and even stories behind your work. Instagram is especially powerful for visual art like pottery.
- Online Shop: Set up an online store to reach buyers beyond your local area. Platforms like Etsy or Shopify make this easy.
Step 4: Build an Authentic Brand
People don’t just buy pottery; they buy the story behind it. Share your journey, your inspiration, and what makes your work unique. When buyers feel connected to you, they’re more likely to support your business.
Step 5: Keep Learning and Growing
The pottery business is an ever-evolving journey. Take workshops, experiment with new techniques, and listen to your customers. Every new piece you create is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Final Thoughts
Turning your passion for pottery into a profitable side hustle is an exciting and rewarding journey. It allows you to share your art with the world while doing something you love. Remember, every great artist started as a beginner. Take that first step, and who knows? You might just find yourself running a thriving pottery business before you know it.
Let’s get those wheels spinning!
