Expert: Leisha Hiester - 4/21/2009

Question
I want to start a ceramic business and have been playing around with it.  I know I need a lot more molds, paint, glazes, brushes ect.  I want to write a business plan to help me either get a grant or a loan to start out.  I want to sell greenware, ready to paint bisque, and all products needed to support the projects that clients/customers would need.  I know there is a need for this type of business around here because most the old business have died due to older business owners passing away.  I know its funny but most the ceramic business around here were ran by older people.  The nearest real ceramic business is about 2 hours away from here that I know of.  

How did you go about setting up your business, books, advertising ect.

thanks

Kat

Answer
Dear Kat,
There's an organization that will be of great help to you in your endeavor. Remember that old style ceramics has died out for a reason, there is no longer a high demand for molded products, but the new wave is referrred to as contemporary ceramics, i.e., paint your own pottery shops. Check out this site; CCSA, it's a Contemporary Ceramics national organization that supports businesses like you're thinking about. Best to you, Leisha