reflecting / envisioning
Here we are in December and I can’t help but look back not only on the past year, but the past three (pandemic) years and the three years prior to that. I’m taking it back to 2017, the year I decided to make the leap from pottery as a hobby and side hustle to POTTERY as my JOB. With seven years now under my belt it feels right to take a long, lazy look at how this all started and what is next.
To be completely transparent, 2023 was the most challenging of them all. Part of that I take responsibility for because I actively chose to take time away from working so that I could travel with my husband after he sold his business of 10 years. This choice allowed me/us to see friends and family we haven’t been able to share quality time within that decade. It made it possible to bond with the new puppy we adopted in the spring. It created space to understand the value I place on my art practice and having a home studio. And though I was methodical about taking time off while still planning and executing collections, shop updates and studio sales, my choice naturally resulted in less income. The timing of this self-inflicted pay cut collided with a general downturn in the economy which has also effected sales this year. Additionally, I can no longer rely on social media as the funnel for potential new customers discovering my work. For me, Instagram no longer translates directly into sales. In the word’s of business advisor Gretchen Jones, “Organic digital marketing is not only a dangerous/toxic environment more often than not, it is no longer an effective client acquisition platform. Be it continuous algorithmic shape shifting, #cancelculture, post pandemic digital fatigue... FB/IG engagement just isn't landing like it used to, nor directing new clientele my way.”
As I reflect on the way this year played out in my business and personal life, I honestly would not change any of the decisions I made. 2023 will forever be a year filled with so many memorable moments and new experiences. I may have had to tighten my belt, get creative and cross my fingers a little more and I take what I’ve learned from that with me into the new year. There’s a very real chance that pottery may go back to being the side hustle or purely a joyful hobby while I look for employment with someone else and that is something I am ok with. There is also a likely possibility that my husband and I will be collaborating on a new business together that will be something completely different and separate from my pottery practice. Whatever the next year(s) brings, I know I am open for a change and will absolutely still make time for my studio, the clay and creativity. It just may look different and come in bursts.
After my holiday sale events this season (see below) I plan to take an extended break as I usually do post-holiday rush with a return in February - hopefully with new perspective and possibly some new offerings. This may include something for my wholesale clients and/or it may finally be offering custom dinnerware for sale. There may also be a clearance or seconds sale if I have much left after the holiday market.
If you have made it this far, I leave you with this…. Thank you to all of you dear people for keeping the lights on and the hearth fires glowing in my small business, I offer you my heart-swelling and unending gratitude. You make it possible. Warmest wishes to you and yours for a restful, restorative season!
