Since quitting my job in June to do this full time, I have had to learn to manage my own time much more carefully. I had visions of making wonderful pottery, cleaning the house, baking cookies and having dinner ready for Mcki and Arne at night. It was all very June Cleaverish in my head. The reality was that many days I was covered in mud, tired from throwing and sleep deprived because I would think about new glazes, pot shapes, textures and marketing ideas instead of sleeping. So instead of a sparkling clean house, organized meals and fabulous pots, I was often just a hot mess wondering how this new business adventure had gotten away from me. I had to stop and figure out how to make everything work.
I am happy to say that while I still have my days, I am figuring things out. Wiebe Pottery was able to buy a small slab roller this year and we will end the year purchasing a clay extruder that will allow me to hand build and feed my creative side. We learned a lot about making and testing our own glazes (a place we never imagined we would be), and we learned that we will always be learning and it will never be perfect.
I am excited to start the new year as a business owner and for the new projects that Wiebe Pottery has planned. A small gallery off of the studio, a raku kiln, and some new venues to sell our beautiful pots to name a few.
And finally, I am very grateful to my husband who believed in us and our business enough to take this giant leap into the unknown. I honestly wouldn't be the person I am today without his patience, love and gentle guidance.
Happy New Year!
