Opening a community pottery studio has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Before I opened Community Clay, I was focused on making and selling my own pottery. Etsy was a big part of my business, and I also did some juried craft shows, but it always felt a bit isolating. I’d interact with people online and have brief, in-person interactions at events, but it never quite scratched the itch for real community. I found myself wanting a space to meet other potters, share ideas, and collaborate in a more meaningful way. Denver felt like it had the potential for something like that, but I struggled to find the right place.
I tried joining a community studio, but after a month, I realized it wasn’t the right fit. Teaching at another studio rekindled my passion for the craft, but even there, the sense of community I was looking for just wasn’t present. I explored joining a guild, but after seeing the facilities, I decided it wasn’t quite what I was after either. I started to think: maybe the studio I was looking for didn’t exist…yet.
That’s when I noticed a small, empty building near my home. It had been a real estate office, but it had been vacant for years. On a whim, I reached out to see if it was available to rent, and to my surprise, the answer was yes! It felt like a sign. The next few months were a whirlwind of light construction, painting, and setting up the space alongside a friend who’s a contractor. We tore out carpets, installed a work sink, and transformed the place into what I had envisioned.
Three months later, we were ready to open, and the response was overwhelming. Classes sold out within minutes, and memberships filled up so fast that we had a waitlist in the first week. I couldn’t believe it!
A year later, my husband joined the company, and we decided to expand. We opened a second location in the RiNo Art District, which has a vibrant art community, and once again, classes sold out immediately.
Now, two years in, Community Clay has grown into one of the largest pottery studios in Denver. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but I’m even more grateful for the community we’ve built. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both our studios and the growing pottery community in Denver.