Glazed Over

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 cla...

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...

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...

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 manag...

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 experien...

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 runnin...

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 clas...

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 R...

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 busines...

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 begin...

On this week’s episode of the Glazed Over Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Crista Toler from Mayco Colors to talk all things paint bar! From setting up an inviting, easy-to-use glaze area to choosing the right products for your customers, this episode is packed with practical tips for pottery and PYOP studio owners. Crista shares insights from her own studio experience, discusses the importance of...

This podcast interview focused on Ben Clark from Queen City Clay discussing the integration of Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) into their 50,000 square foot clay studio. Ben explained how PYOP has been operating for about 9 years and serves as both a gateway for new customers to experience clay and a profitable business component. The studio uses three dedicated kilns for low-fire pottery painting,...

Hillary  Moullilet   of The Creative Retailer joins us to talk about the power of branding in paint-your-own pottery studios and how it shapes the customer experience. Drawing from her journey as a multi-studio owner, Hillary shares how consistent branding goes far beyond logos — it lives in your space, your systems, and your staff. We discuss creating welcoming first impressions, involving your t...

This week on Glazed Over, we sit down with Donna Bordeaux of PYOP Accounting, who has spent more than a decade helping studio owners understand the numbers behind their businesses. Donna explains why every studio owner should think about an exit plan from day one, even if selling feels far away. We talk about what actually creates studio value — from strong bookkeeping and documented processes to...

This week on Glazed Over, we’re joined by Louise Blazucki of Kiln Creations, who shares how she doubled revenue and grew her team after buying the studio on a two-week decision. We talk about defining your studio’s “why,” building a community-driven team, setting sales goals, and creating operating systems that keep a creative business running smoothly. If you love the nuts and bolts of studio own...

In this episode, Ammie Williams helps us break down design trends spotted at the Atlanta Market gift show and what they actually mean for pottery studios. From cherries, mushrooms, and nautical themes to oversized hand-built pieces, textures, and earthy tones, we talk through what’s here to stay, what’s evolving, and how to translate trend forecasting into real clay projects. We also dive into sto...

In this episode, we talk with Ailene, founder of a four-location paint-your-own pottery studio in Israel (and one in California!), about how social media has shaped her studio’s growth. We discuss Instagram, viral moments, TikTok trends, and why she chose to delegate social media so she could focus on operations. Ailene shares how authenticity, imperfect pottery, and emotional experience—not follo...

On this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa sits down with Stephanie McGinnis from Ceramics in the City in Denver to dive deep into one of the most impactful revenue opportunities for PYOP studios. They talk through everything you really need to know to make memberships successful - from marketing and pricing, to managing members, creating a dedicated studio space, and setting clear expectations that...

Kathy Cano-Murillo — the brilliant mind behind Crafty Chica — joins us to share her creative journey from a 1996 passion project to a nationally recognized brand. She breaks down how one beloved ceramic platter sparked her career and why targeting multiple communities is the key to long-term growth. We dive into her strategies for branding, newsletters, trend-spotting, and protecting your creative...

In this bonus episode of Glazed Over, we’re excited to officially introduce Vanessa Steele as a new moderator of the show. Vanessa shares her journey from restaurant management in Arizona to opening an art buffet in Pennsylvania, then growing into a pottery-focused business, and eventually settling in South Carolina. We talk about transitioning into a PYOP studio, teaching clay classes, and how ed...

This week, we’re talking with Jenn Meyer from Walls of Clay about how ChatGPT went from a curiosity to one of her most-used business tools. We dig into what ChatGPT really is, when it’s worth upgrading to the paid version, and how she uses it every day in her studio and personal life. Jenn also shares how she taught ChatGPT to sound like her brand, what makes AI content feel “off,” and why it clic...

We’re keeping our “Meet the Suppliers” series going with a lively chat with DJ Toal of Bisque Imports. From a barn-based start to multiple warehouses and international growth, DJ shares how he built a thriving family business in a collaborative industry. We cover sourcing products worldwide, working with family, favorite bisque pieces, the magic of studio relationships, and more!

In this episode of  Glazed Over , we sit down with Colleen Carey Brennan, CEO of Mayco, for a candid conversation about her journey in the ceramics world. She shares how Mayco has grown and adapted through the years—from expanding their product lines to navigating industry changes with heart and hustle. We also chat about company culture, continuous learning, and what it takes to stay inspired in...

In this episode, we’re joined by the team from Gare Incorporated, a family-owned ceramics business with a rich history and a whole lot of heart. We dive into how the company got started, how their creative and strategic decisions have shaped their growth, and what they’re planning next. We also chat about industry trends, pricing strategies, and upcoming product releases. Things get personal too,...

In this episode, we chat with Kelly Browning of American Bisque and get the behind-the-scenes scoop on what it’s like to run a ceramic bisque manufacturing company. From the history of American Bisque to their current production process, Kelly walks us through how the magic happens. She shares how she juggles inventory, small business life, and prep for Convention where she’ll be teaching and show...