Can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to set up your business?
I’m Jessica and I’m a potter working in the North Pennines.
I arrived at pottery in a very round about way. I had a happy career as a Mental Health Worker, when one year my partner bought me a course of pottery lessons at night school. I did the first course and was hooked! I went back for another round of basic lessons, and in quite a bold move, bought my own kiln and set up studio at home. My business started out really small, selling a few pieces online, and I gradually reduced my day job hours as the business grew. I followed my intution, and listened to the quiet whispers telling me to keep making!
What tips would you give other women who are thinking about setting up their own business?
I think it’s really important to focus on taking tiny steps and small actions to get your business off the ground. Looking at the big picture can be scary and it’s so easy to get overwhelmed and not know where to start. I try to think, what can I do today, that will move my business and my creative practice forward? Breaking big goals into small chunks makes them approachable and you build up the momentum to keep going, even when you feel scared.
The mental health practitioner in me also says, take good care of yourself! Women often let their needs slip to the bottom of the pile, but you are the most important asset in your business! It pays to look after yourself physically and mentally so that you have a good reserve of energy and are able to spring into action when things get busy.
We love seeing pictures of your pretty, delicate pottery on your website – what are the benefits of the internet for your business?
My business really began on the internet, and I sold my first ever work online. These days, I ship pottery to customers all over the world and selling online means there are very few barriers to reaching international buyers. The internet also makes it much easier to find your customers, even if you make quite a niche product that might only appeal to a small group of people.
What are your future plans for Jessica Catherine?
I’m so excited for the next few months! I’ve spent this year learning to throw, and I’m working on a brand new range of tableware to launch in Spring 2016. For next summer, I’m working on a top secret teaching offer, where people will be able to get their hands on clay in a new kind of pottery class. Longer term, I’m looking to increase my production output so I can stock more galleries, shops and grow my online offer. There’s so much to be getting on with!!
Find out more about Jessica Catherine Pottery on Jessica’s website at www.jessica-catherine.com , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jessicaceramics or on twitter: twitter.com/jessicaceramics
Photographs by Rachel of RJM Photography.
Name of interviewee: Jessica Smith
Business name: Jessica Catherine
Website: www.jessica-catherine.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jessicaceramics
Twitter: twitter.com/jessicaceramics
Business type: Pottery & Workshops
Location: Allendale, Northumberland