Clay, Community & Mini Pottery Wheels

Clay, Community & Mini Pottery Wheels

In this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa sits down with Stefan and Daisy, co-owners of Small Ceramics, to talk all things mini pottery wheels and the growing popularity of wheel throwing in today’s fired arts industry.They share the story behind how Small Ceramics began, what inspired them to manufacture small pottery wheels, and how studios across the country are successfully using them for beginner-friendly classes, team building events, kids programming, and even walk-in wheel throwing experiences.The conversation dives into the business side of wheel throwing, including how studios can create profitable wheel programs without needing a massive clay space or expensive equipment setup. Stefan and Daisy also discuss teaching tips for first-time throwers, common mistakes beginners make, social media’s influence on the pottery boom, and where they see the future of ceramics education heading.Whether you’re a seasoned clay studio owner or a PYOP studio curious about adding wheel throwing for the very first time, this episode is packed with practical ideas, inspiration, and real-world advice for bringing more hands-on clay experiences into your studio.

How to Set up a Paint Bar

On this week’s episode of the Glazed Over Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Crista Toler from Mayco Colors to talk all things paint bar! From setting up an inviting, easy-to-use glaze area to choosing the right products for your customers, this episode is packed with practical tips for pottery and PYOP studio owners. Crista shares insights from her own studio experience, discusses the importance of keeping your paint bar fresh, organized, and stocked with trending products, and breaks down the different types of glazes every studio should understand. Whether you’re building your first paint bar or refreshing an existing one, this conversation is full of ideas to help make your studio more creative, customer-friendly, and profitable.

Bridging the Gap between clay studios and PYOP studios with Ben Clark from Queen City Clay

This podcast interview focused on Ben Clark from Queen City Clay discussing the integration of Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) into their 50,000 square foot clay studio. Ben explained how PYOP has been operating for about 9 years and serves as both a gateway for new customers to experience clay and a profitable business component. The studio uses three dedicated kilns for low-fire pottery painting, operates in a 1,000 square foot space with seating for 30 people, and offers seasonal items like Christmas trees and Easter pieces. Ben discussed staffing arrangements, glaze options, and the educational approach to pottery painting, noting that proper sampling and instructional materials were key lessons learned early on. The PYOP area creates a different energy than the main clay studio, more like a social environment where people meet and share experiences, while also helping with diversity in the studio and serving accessibility needs for those with sensory issues or who cannot work with wet clay.

Branding That Actually Feels Like Something

Hillary  Moullilet   of The Creative Retailer joins us to talk about the power of branding in paint-your-own pottery studios and how it shapes the customer experience. Drawing from her journey as a multi-studio owner, Hillary shares how consistent branding goes far beyond logos — it lives in your space, your systems, and your staff. We discuss creating welcoming first impressions, involving your team in delivering your brand, and simple strategies like mystery shopping and brand checklists to stay aligned. This episode is a must-listen for studio owners ready to build a more intentional, cohesive, and memorable business.

What Your Studio Is Actually Worth

This week on Glazed Over, we sit down with Donna Bordeaux of PYOP Accounting, who has spent more than a decade helping studio owners understand the numbers behind their businesses. Donna explains why every studio owner should think about an exit plan from day one, even if selling feels far away. We talk about what actually creates studio value — from strong bookkeeping and documented processes to reviews, social media presence, and a transferable brand. Plus, Donna shares practical advice on leases, business valuation, and the systems that make your studio easier to grow and eventually sell.