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Glazed Over is the newest offering from the Contemporary Ceramic Studio Association. Own a ceramic studio and want to amplify your reach? Thinking of opening a contemporary ceramic art space but don’t know where to start? The CCSA has gathered experts, trade secrets, suppliers and more for your business to flourish, whether you’re a veteran studio owner or just joining the ranks. Listen in and subscribe for episode alerts so you don’t miss a beat.
61 Episodes
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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 keep both staff and members happy. This episode is packed with practical, real-world insight for studio owners who will want to add consistent income while building a stronger clay community. If you’ve been curious about memberships but unsure where to start (or how to avoid pitfalls), this episode is for you!
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 work through trademarks. This episode is packed with heart, humor, and practical advice for any studio owner or creative entrepreneur looking to expand their impact.
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 education and community shape everything she does.She also shares what’s next, including upcoming clay events and her Teaching Clay subscription. This episode is a chance to get to know Vanessa and what she brings to the future of Glazed Over.
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 clicks for some people but not others. Plus, her “relationship phases” analogy for ChatGPT just might be the most relatable thing you hear all week.
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 a hands-on industry. Whether you're a studio owner, artist, or PYOP enthusiast, you'll love this peek behind the curtain at one of ceramics’ biggest players.
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, with conversations about favorite glazes, gardening, and what it’s like running a business with family. It’s a warm and insightful look at what it means to build something meaningful, one piece at a time.
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 showcasing her work. It's a great listen for anyone curious about the nuts and bolts of the supplier side of the PYOP world and what it takes to keep a ceramics business running strong.
In this episode, we sit down with Tom, the new owner of American Ceramics, a 50-year-old company with deep roots in the ceramic world. Tom shares how he got started—helping out at his wife’s pottery studio—and what led him to take the reins of a beloved ceramics supplier. We talk about his vision for the future, from launching an e-commerce site to expanding services and creating satellite pickup locations. He’s focused on modernizing operations while keeping strong relationships at the heart of the business. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes of supply, strategy, and studio support, this one’s a must-listen.
In this episode, we’re joined by Lulu Villanueva, lead custom artist at As You Wish Pottery, for a deep dive into what makes a sample piece successful. Lulu shares how she plans seasonal displays across eight studios, balances creativity with customer-friendly design, and uses color palettes and stickers to keep things fun and accessible. We also chat about teaching kids' classes, managing studio inventory, and how to simplify color choices without sacrificing style.
This week, Wendy Pettys joins us to share her no-nonsense approach to content creation for paint-your-own-pottery studios. From planning and editing Instagram Reels to training staff and organizing behind-the-scenes footage, Wendy breaks down what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to social media. We cover everything from scheduling tools and trending audio to why your captions might not matter as much as you think. If you’ve been needing a push to finally post that reel—or just want to make your content feel more fun and manageable—this one’s for you.
Hey y'all! Jonesin' for a new episode of Glazed Over? Well you're in luck because a new episode drops TODAY! This week, we're diving into the world of studio software with the amazing and incredibly knowledgeable Aksh Gupta, founder of Occasion. If you've ever wondered how to streamline your studio's booking operations - from the user booking interface to recovering abandoned carts all the way to following up post-event reviews - this episode is for you! Available NOW on a preferred platform near you
Ever wonder what it really takes to run a paint-your-own pottery studio? In this episode, we sit down with Felicity Gunter and Kaelyn Bucy—two powerhouse studio managers—to talk about how they stepped into leadership, the systems they’ve built, and what it’s like balancing people, tasks, and chaos daily.They open up about:✨ Navigating call-outs and conflict🛠️ Creating custom systems that work🌱 Growing their team (and themselves)💡 What they wish they had more time for.If you’re a studio owner, manager, or dreaming of becoming one—this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Tune in now wherever you get your podcasts!Saddle up and sparkle! Visit Bisque Imports at Convention for new products, games, sneak peeks, and swag-packed fun!
In this episode of Glazed Over, we’re joined by business coach and podcaster Wendy Batten, who shares her insight on goal-setting, marketing strategies, and creating a customer journey that actually works for both your business and your life. We talk about planning with purpose, balancing profits with joy, and the power of aligning your goals with your values. Wendy also opens up about her podcasting journey, the value of mentorship, and what she’s excited to teach at the upcoming convention where she’ll be leading workshops on goal planning and strategic marketing.
This week, we’re joined by HR consultant Katie Magoon for a practical (and surprisingly fun!) conversation about all things employee handbooks and studio policies. Katie breaks down what every small business should include in their handbook—from attendance and hygiene to termination procedures—while making sure it all reflects your company’s values. We also chat about handling out-of-state events, managing a growing team, and why your policies should work for you, not against you. Katie even shares some helpful resources if you’re ready to tighten up your HR game.
In this special bonus episode, we officially welcome our new co-host, Jessica Cowan! From her early days slinging spicy chicken sandwiches at Chick-fil-A to running pottery studios and yogurt shops, Jessica’s journey is full of leadership lessons, creative pivots, and a whole lot of heart. We talk about what she learned from fast food, entrepreneurship, and working alongside industry leaders—all of which led her to clay. Plus, she shares some exciting studio projects in the works, like AI assistants, toddler story time, and a community art postcard program. This is a fun, wide-ranging conversation full of laughs, real talk, and a few hot takes on Chick-fil-A sauces.
We’re sitting down with the queens of large-scale events—Gail and Jackie Burrow from All Fired Up in Nevada. They share how to find the right contacts, run smooth and successful big events, and keep those valuable partnerships strong. Gail and Jackie have this down to a science, and this episode is just a peek at what they know. Catch them at CCSA’s Convention in Denton, Texas, where they'll be leading a pre-con deep dive on this very topic!https://www.ccsaonline.com/2025-convention
In this episode, we chat with Samantha Irwin—a former teacher and boutique hotel owner—about what she’s learned from leading teams and creating standout customer experiences. With years in the hospitality industry under her belt, Samantha shares practical advice on staff training, building a positive work culture, and making every customer feel seen and valued. Whether you're running a pottery studio, a gift shop, or something in between, her insights on loyalty, leadership, and service will give you plenty to think about.Des Toal from Bisque Imports graciously welcomes listeners to this month's podcast and commends listeners for growing successful businesses! https://www.bisqueimports.com/Check out Occasion: https://occasion.app/
Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Julie and Robin Cates from On the Pot in Salina, Kansas. With 23 years of experience under their belts, these two have figured out not just how to hire great team members—but how to keep them. They share what they look for in a new hire, how they run interviews, their training strategies, and why giving young people clear expectations and real responsibility can lead to long-term success for everyone.
We’re back with Bill Shipley from Constant Contact, and this time we’re talking way more than just email. Bill gives us the scoop on all the new tools Constant Contact has rolled out—from SMS marketing to social media scheduling to seamless ad integrations. If you thought it was just an email platform, think again. These updates are designed to make your entire business run smoother (and smarter).
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