Ever wonder how I created an e-commerce shop?

About 4 years ago,

In an instant, everything changed.

A group of friends bought a year’s worth of Squarespace domain and site for me as a Christmas gift. I was absolutely shocked and started bawling when they told me. At the time, I had zero money to put towards my business and I had no way of selling my work. 

That sweet, sweet gift launched me into building my online platform, as well as my audience on Instagram. The first order I received from someone I didn't know personally was exhilarating . I think she bought a couple of mugs, but the thought that she lived in Missouri and found me through social media was mind-blowing. This little act gave me the confidence to begin to pursue my artistic path professionally.

Through the past 4 years I have gone through many phases of artistic styles and my work has changed dramatically. In 2018, I tried to supplement my income by setting up booths at various craft shows. The shows proved to be inconsistent and very strenuous on my body. I actually threw-out my back at the beginning of 2019.  They weren't kidding that you feel your age at 30.

That wake-up call (which, funnily enough, had me bed-ridden) led me to the decision to do all of my business online. I reached out to a good friend (@ShealeenLouise) who has a great following and asked if she would like to collaborate. After working alongside her as she created these gorgeous watercolor illustrations, I had the idea to make ceramic artist palettes. I looked up ‘handmade ceramic artist palette’ on pinterest, google, instagram… and turned up nothing. I was shocked! I’ve always believed in the idea that one should “go where you are needed," so I made some. And to my surprise and delight they were a hit. I have gone through a couple different styles, but I have one now that has struck a chord with both my audience and myself. I now have 24 styles and more to come!

I am so proud to say that my brand was the first collection of handmade ceramic palettes on an e-commerce platform.

During that time, it was not all easy-breezy. So many times I wanted to hang up my apron and walk away. But, I knew that if I did, I would regret it for the rest of my life. At one point, I almost accepted a full-time receptionist job. I’d had a couple weeks there where I was filled with self-doubt because my sales were only around $300 for the month. The thought of launching myself fully into ceramics professionally; of completely relying on my craft for all of my income, was terrifying. It took a leap of faith, but I am so glad I did it.

Transitioning my tiny business into a full-time career was definitely an adjustment. You have to be very accountable to yourself and driven in a way only entrepreneurs can understand. And the administration side of it is so much more involved than i thought. I have basically traded the time at shows for shipping and social media. But I will take that trade anyday.

The growth I have seen can be credited to my persistence in prioritizing my craft and collaborating with other artists on social media. I had a good foundation of work ethic and drive at the beginning of 2019. So, once I started doing more giveaways and collaborations with other Instagram accounts, I was easily able to handle the influx of traffic and orders. 

I paid for some advertising at the beginning of 2019, but quickly realized that it was a waste of time and money. My best results are when I send a palette to another artist who I respect, they feature me on their social media, and in turn I get a bigger audience and sales. I have noticed that typically the profit from those collaborations are ten-fold (or more, especially when I collaborate with someone that teaches online classes to other artists). The difference between my sales before I went full-time, eight months ago, and now are astronomical.

I do not have any employees (it’s just me!) So, There is only so much I can make at the moment for every shop update. The last update sold out in 15-30 minutes, so most of the time, my website says ‘sold out’ for everything. In order to remedy this, I will have to hire someone. But to do that, I need a bigger studio space… Expanding my business is something that will have to wait. But for now, I love working by myself.

I can hear you say,

“So, what is next?”

There is so much that I want to accomplish. And some of it might be soon, but it depends on so many moving parts. The next step for my business is a larger space. My space is currently at the Clay Lady Campus her in beautiful Nashville, Tennessee. I love that place and community so much, and I will be very sad when it's my season to leave. But currently, I am preparing to get preapproved to buy a home. I would love to eventually make an artist retreat center on some land and have a residency program. I do not have any intention on ending my business. On the contrary I would like to hire up to 5 people to make more work (that is closer to the 5 year plan). 

For right now and into the next year, I am making new palette designs and some glaze colors! In 2021, I will start releasing seasonal work which will include gas, salt and wood fired lifestyle collections.

I can’t wait to share more with you soon!

xo, Sarah