Since I have been here, I have been welcomed into the process of running a ceramic studio. The main objective is market strategies and customer engagement. But it doesn’t stop there. I have great colleagues that are very open in what they do and explain/show how they contribute to the company. From the studio manager teaching me how to maintain the studio, to the head of administration explaining the communication with the client and the sales strategy of the workshops. There is amazing trust between me and the owner who lets me discover and explore the company.
We often have one-on-ones to discuss how everything is going and our expectations for upcoming projects. Which are amazing. My HE is a wonderful and strong business owner who expresses her thoughts on matters. The communication is always two-sided. She is honestly a great role model to me on how to be a great boss and an amazing person.
This company also has an amazing approach to its working methods with natural glazes and raw glazing – taking minerals and clay from nature and not bisque firing. It is something really inspiring that I would love to take with me in my practices. However it is also more complex than I thought.
Being able to do this collaboration with them has given my dreams of starting my own studio a realistic perspective, and I do realize I still have a long way to go, which I am totally okay with. Every week that I spend here offers me the knowledge I was searching for when starting this process.
During this collaboration, I am still working on developing my skills in marketing and ceramic combined. A great example is the upcoming ‘Winter Ceramic Market’. This is an event organized by the studio team, who did not hesitate tio invite me to join. I am allowed to create and sell my ceramic pieces at the event and am leading the marketing behind it – creating the visuals and promoting it on their social media. In the meantime, I am brought along on every other aspect of creating the event – exactly what I wished to be doing and learning, as it will be part of my dream studio.
