We were lucky to catch up with Tara Block recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tara, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for Dame Errant Clay came to me in bits and pieces, really. I’ve always been kind of a creative nomad, dabbling in different arts, but ceramics had this special pull on me. It wasn’t something I could easily cart around, so I’d drift away, but I’d always find my way back to it.
While I was deep into the yoga and wellness scene, teaching and learning, I started seeing how similar the vibes were between yoga’s zen and the chill you get when your hands are deep in clay. It all clicked during this workshop I put together—“Tiny Dino Meditation and Clay.” It was this cool mash-up where we started with a meditation session, and participants met their dino in their meditation. They then brought their visions to life with clay right after. I wanted to make something where people could just relax, play with clay, and maybe stumble into meditation without feeling any pressure.
I loved that first workshop, and it really opened my eyes. Working with clay, you get to zone out from all the everyday noise and just focus on what you’re making. It’s about playing, experimenting, and discovering what you can create. And honestly, we could all use a bit more of that kind of space in our lives—where we’re encouraged to tap into our creative side and just see where it takes us.
That’s the energy that propelled me to keep expanding Dame Errant Clay. It wasn’t just about teaching people how to make stuff with clay; it was about giving them a chance to find that quiet in their minds, to get lost in creating something. That’s what we’re all about at the studio—helping people realize they’re creators and that there’s something pretty awesome about bringing something new into the world with your own two hands.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

At Dame Errant Clay, we’re passionate about making the creative experience both accessible and enriching. We specialize in beginner-level clay classes designed to fit easily into your schedule without straining your wallet. This past year, we’ve expanded to include memberships and various six-week programs that pave the way for deeper community involvement.

One of our signature offerings is the “Clay Moment,” a session where participants can guide themselves through the creation process. This self-guided format is quite unique in the clay world, allowing for personal exploration and creativity on your own.

What sets us apart is our dedication to creating a welcoming atmosphere where creativity can flourish. We strive to offer more than just pottery classes; we offer a place where you can unwind, connect with others, have a cup of tea or a mocktail and discover the calming benefits of working with clay.

I am especially proud of how we’ve cultivated a space that not only teaches pottery skills but also enriches lives through artistic expression and community building. Our studio isn’t just a place to learn; it’s a place to grow, relax, and find a little peace in the midst of a busy life.
For anyone interested in exploring their creative potential, finding a new hobby, or just taking a moment for themselves, Dame Errant Clay is ready to welcome you. We’re here to help you create not just art, but also moments of joy and tranquility in your daily life.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Oh dear, I took so many leaps. Each time it seemed impossible. I started off just creating my own work at community studios and selling at shops and markets. My first little kiln I set up in my parents’ garage on the North Shore. I remember my first studio in Minneapolis, thinking there was no way I could afford my little $400/month studio space and rent, and thought I could live in a hammock. I got to 10:30 PM the first night and called my brother to sleep on his couch. The studio mate that joined me at that space to cut my rent in half is still a dear friend.

My next studio was where I started teaching classes. I could get 10 people around these tables in my studio. It was cozy and delightful. I took a break right before the pandemic and went a full year without a pottery studio. Itchy to get back to work, I started searching for a new place, I wanted to go a bit bigger but when I walked into our current location I fell in love and took the leap. Our classroom seats 34. I started off renting out to peerspace and teaching classes on the weekends.

I have an amazing family that always shows up when I need a push. We once worked through the night until 6 am finishing a building project so that a community market could take place the next day. We built and welded all of our work tables from reclaimed materials, I bought 3 pieces of metal new, oh and the wheels.

I was the only staff for the first year or two. Now that we have a crew of teachers and staff, I am so incredibly grateful for all of them.

Each leap was with such grief, never thinking it could be better than the last. I was always pleasantly surprised where I landed and I am sure we will be on our next leap.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

This is a tough question, but I think it is important to talk about during the current climate. Running a small business isn’t for the faint of heart. Most small businesses fold within the first three years, and I’m incredibly grateful to have moved past that milestone, thanks to our amazing community that has supported us every step of the way.

Last year nearly every small business owner I spoke to was considering folding, business’s don’t share this as it’s not a good look. You really never know where someone is at.

People ask me how I made it happen, and really it is just being a bit crazy and EMBRACING imperfection. Typos on the website? Missed sending out that newsletter? Forgot to post on social media for a week because you were distracted at your day job? Reclaim clay has been piling up for two years? When you are essentially doing the work of ten people, “done” is better than “good”, and you can’t afford to be a perfectionist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.DameErrant.com
• Instagram: @DameErrant
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DameErrant
• Youtube: @DameErrant

Image Credits

Rush Block
Jim Morgan