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.

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 keeping your paint bar fresh, organized, and stocked with trending products, and breaks down the different types of glazes every studio should understand. Whether you’re building your first paint bar or refreshing an existing one, this conversation is full of ideas to help make your studio more creative, customer-friendly, and profitable.

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, operates in a 1,000 square foot space with seating for 30 people, and offers seasonal items like Christmas trees and Easter pieces. Ben discussed staffing arrangements, glaze options, and the educational approach to pottery painting, noting that proper sampling and instructional materials were key lessons learned early on. The PYOP area creates a different energy than the main clay studio, more like a social environment where people meet and share experiences, while also helping with diversity in the studio and serving accessibility needs for those with sensory issues or who cannot work with wet clay.

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 team in delivering your brand, and simple strategies like mystery shopping and brand checklists to stay aligned. This episode is a must-listen for studio owners ready to build a more intentional, cohesive, and memorable business.  

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 reviews, social media presence, and a transferable brand. Plus, Donna shares practical advice on leases, business valuation, and the systems that make your studio easier to grow and eventually sell.

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 ownership, this episode is full of practical insights you can use right away.

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 stoneware, cone 6 glazes, mixed media techniques, and why experimentation, not perfection, is what keeps your studio creatively relevant.

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 follower count—are what truly build connection and drive customers through the door.

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!