What is your Etsy shop name?
PotteryLodge
Where are you located?
Houston Texas
Summary of what your shop offers:
My shop is a reflection of the life we all aspire to live. It’s full of beauty, cheerful colors, designs that make you smile. The best part is each piece I make is fully functional for daily use. Making ceramics takes a soft yet strong hand, a patient mind and a passion to continue to learn with each new technique you discover.
How long have you been practicing your craft?
Making ceramics is actually new to me. I’ve been in the arts my whole life, but just recently have I started making ceramics. I continue to learn and research and try new ways of doing ceramics and hand building pieces and some work out, some don’t. I just continue to learn and with each piece I fall more in love with the art of ceramics.
Have you had any formal training in it? Where did you learn your skills?
I don’t think ‘formal’ training is necessary to become successful in an art. I did research a lot online and in books. I just like to learn and try new techniques. Art has no boundaries and therefore you can create your own way of learning. My grandmother has been making ceramics for decades and I learned and watched her and continued to create my own way making ceramics. I tend to not see things for what they are, but for what they can become.
What made you decide to start an Etsy shop?
I started with Etsy because of the community it offers. The people I talk with through etsy teams are so helpful and it’s like having group of friends that you will probably never meet but can always go to for business advice. I haven’t found any other site quite like Etsy and I wanted to be part of it. After making a few pieces of ceramics on my own time, I just couldn’t wait to show people that you can have fun, beautiful home decor that will highlight your home without being over the top.
What makes your Etsy shop stand out from all the others out there?
Definitely the colors make me stand out, and the heart designs, polka dots, the lace pressed ceramics. I would assume these aren’t the usually pieces you gravitate toward, but there’s also something about them, the way the hearts make you melt, or the polka dots make you feel like a child again. The lace is elegant and the colors are vibrant. There’s something for everyone and you will find something that will work and enhance your home.
What do you find to be the most fun and rewarding about having your own shop?
There is nothing more rewarding than doing what you love doing. This reminds me of a quote by Maya Angelou. She says “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”
What does customer service mean to you?
For me, customer service should always be your top priority. If there’s a problem, try to fix it. Be fair to your customers and treat them well.
Where do you find your motivation and inspiration when sales are slow?
This is a good question! I try not to let the dry spells get me down. I just continue to work, to prove to people that I CAN do this. I just stay as positive and self motivated as possible. It’s also nice to take a little relaxing time off when things aren’t busy. You get a little time to reflect on your promotions, what you can do better and what you need to change.
What helps to inspire you when creating?
Life inspires me; it’s beautiful, full of ups and downs. My past inspires me. I’ve dealt with the death of my mom when I was 12 so I have a certain understanding of how precious life is. Life is so short and you should live it in color and not be afraid to be different. I think that’s pretty inspiring.
Where do you see your Etsy shop in a year? Or where would you like to see it?
I would love to see my Etsy shop and my business in general just continue to grow. I can’t wait to look back on this very moment a year from now and see how far I’ve grown, to have that experience and knowledge and hopefully find success in all directions.
What words of wisdom do you have for readers who are considering opening a shop on Etsy to sell their own handmade creations?
Don’t give up! I read so many threads on the Etsy forums about lack of sales, views, too much money going out and not enough coming in. I think many people try to take on an Etsy shop as something that’s going to be ‘easy’. Regardless of where you are selling, you ARE a business, and businesses take time and lots of research to become something other than another ordinary shop. You can’t expect to become an overnight success as far as selling goes. You must love what you do, have a passion for it and you have to have the drive to learn. Knowledge is power. Stay active in the Etsy forums and when you ask for advice and you receive it, then take that advice and actually use it.
Which item in your shop is your favorite?
Another good question! I think my favorite items change a lot because sometimes I surprise myself with what I create. I think so far my favorite shop item is my heart nesting bowls. The ones with the pour spout. They are just too cute.
Do you have a current promotion you would like to share?
I give discount shipping when you purchase more than one item and I also send out 10% off coupon codes with every purchase.
Visit Pottery Lodge’s Etsy Shop here: http://PotteryLodge.etsy.com
