Work On Your Studio, Not Just In It

Vanessa and Leigh Ann of Teaching Clay join us to break down how PYOP studios can add clay without overcomplicating their operations. From choosing your first clay body and essential tools to pricing, staff training, project organization, walk-in offerings, and memberships, they share systems designed to work in real studios of all sizes. We also talk about profitable projects, avoiding common clay-management mistakes, and why you don’t need expensive equipment to get started. Whether you’re brand new to clay or looking to strengthen an existing program, this episode offers a practical roadmap for making clay manageable and profitable.Stock up for the holiday season with Must Have Markdowns—limited-time savings on seasonal, holiday, and everyday bisque at Bisque Imports. https://www.bisqueimports.com/bisque/bisque-featured/bisque-featured-must-have-markdowns

Ferne Benson of Mr. Toad’s Pottery joins us to talk about building systems that allow studio owners to step away from daily operations and spend more time working on their businesses. Drawing from her experience running (soon to be) two locations, she shares practical strategies for staff training, delegation, documenting processes, creating knowledge systems, and identifying recurring pain points. We also discuss protecting the owner’s time, developing stronger work-life boundaries, and using financial strategies like Profit First to make intentional business decisions. If you’re ready to become less essential to your studio’s day-to-day operations, this episode offers a practical place to start.

Vanessa Steele and Jessica Cowan recap the excitement of the 2026 CCSA Convention in Tampa! From inspiring classes and new supplier finds to memorable events, connections, and plenty of fun, join them for a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas and energy everyone brought home.This episode is perfect for those who attended and want to relive the experience, as well as anyone who missed this year’s convention—or has never attended before and wants to discover what makes CCSA Convention so special.

Nell Wertz, owner of All Fired Up in Akron, Ohio, joins us to talk about CreativeQ, the studio management software she created to streamline customer orders, kiln operations, and pickup notifications. Nell shares how moving from paper-based systems to digital workflows has improved staff efficiency, organization, and the customer experience. We also explore KilnCare, CreativeQ’s digital kiln management system for tracking firings, maintenance, issues, and parts. Whether you’re looking to modernize your studio or simply spend less time tracking pieces and more time serving customers, this episode offers practical ideas for going digital.

Melissa Shook, owner of Fire It Ceramics in Port Aransas, Texas, joins us to share how she built a thriving vacation-focused pottery studio over the past 19 years. She walks us through the systems behind her signature next-day pickup service, efficient kiln operations, and all-inclusive pricing model that keeps tourists coming back year after year. We also discuss creating memorable guest experiences, serving both locals and visitors, and the operational strategies that allow her team to handle high-volume business with confidence. If you're looking to improve efficiency or attract more destination customers, this episode is full of practical inspiration.

Every studio owner has moments they wish they could do over—but those experiences often become the lessons that shape a stronger business. In this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa Steele sits down with Katie Yallaly of Doing Dishes in Florida and Chelsea Sushchena of Clay Canvas in Reno, for a candid conversation about the decisions, mistakes, and unexpected challenges they encountered while running their studios. Together, they share what those experiences taught them, what they would handle differently today, and the advice they hope will help other studio owners avoid learning every lesson the hard way. It’s an honest, relatable conversation filled with real-life insight from people who understand both the joys and realities of studio ownership.

This week on Glazed Over, we're joined by Casey Melidoni and Brandon Berkley from ADP to tackle one of the most confusing topics for studio owners: when someone should be a 1099 contractor, a vendor, or a W-2 employee.We break down real studio scenarios — from guest instructors and kiln technicians to seasonal staff — and discuss the legal, financial, and operational implications of each classification. We also cover the ABC test, contracts, insurance requirements, and why government agencies are paying closer attention to worker misclassification than ever before.🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa Steele sits down with Nathan and Manuel from Rohde Kilns to discuss what sets Rohde apart in the kiln industry and why more studio owners are considering their kilns for both new and expanding ceramics programs.From thoughtful German engineering and energy efficiency to innovative features designed with ceramic artists in mind, Nathan and Manuel share how Rohde kilns are built to deliver consistent results while making studio operations easier. Whether you're purchasing your very first kiln or looking to upgrade your current firing setup, this conversation offers valuable insight into what studio owners should consider before making their next investment.Tune in to learn why Rohde Kilns has earned a reputation for quality, reliability, and craftsmanship—and how the right kiln can help support the growth of your studio for years to come.

Get ready for the 2026 CCSA Convention with a special Convention Preview episode of Glazed Over! In this episode, our hosts sit down with three Convention instructors for exclusive behind-the-scenes conversations about their upcoming classes.Each segment offers a sneak peek into what attendees can expect, including key takeaways, practical tips, and the inspiration behind the class. From business strategies and marketing ideas to creative techniques and studio growth, you'll hear directly from the experts leading the sessions.Whether you're already registered or still deciding which classes to take, this episode will help you discover new learning opportunities and get excited about the education waiting for you in Tampa.

In this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa sits down with Stefan and Daisy, co-owners of Small Ceramics, to talk all things mini pottery wheels and the growing popularity of wheel throwing in today’s fired arts industry.They share the story behind how Small Ceramics began, what inspired them to manufacture small pottery wheels, and how studios across the country are successfully using them for beginner-friendly classes, team building events, kids programming, and even walk-in wheel throwing experiences.The conversation dives into the business side of wheel throwing, including how studios can create profitable wheel programs without needing a massive clay space or expensive equipment setup. Stefan and Daisy also discuss teaching tips for first-time throwers, common mistakes beginners make, social media’s influence on the pottery boom, and where they see the future of ceramics education heading.Whether you’re a seasoned clay studio owner or a PYOP studio curious about adding wheel throwing for the very first time, this episode is packed with practical ideas, inspiration, and real-world advice for bringing more hands-on clay experiences into your studio.