We were lucky to catch up with Nikkie Stutts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nikkie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful is something I struggle with every day. There pressure comes from all over, social media, bills, family needs etc. But what I truly think it takes to be successful is drive and passion for what you do. I feel that you will never be successful without failing and getting back up each and every time. I struggle with this almost every day, there are days I think my business is booming and there are days I think I should close up shop and start a new career. It is those days after the latter that make you successful if you decide to quit or push on with your business. Personally, it is a fighting battle to be a small business owner but it is the days of booming business that not only keep me afloat but also keep me motivated.

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?

My name is Nikkie, and I started Nikkie Stutts Ceramics officially in 2020 and went full-time with my ceramics career in 2022. I studied ceramics in depth at San Francisco State University, it is there where I learned the core of my knowledge of the art form and received my degree. It was there that my infatuation with ceramics began, I learned so much from my wonderful teachers but also from the other students around me. It wasn’t until I took my first ceramics class that something clicked that I wanted to do this every day for the rest of my life, and so I began to work towards a career in ceramic art. I studied art history, took an internship to teach art to children in Italy then finally when I got back to the states I began to build my business. I joined an amazing ceramic studio where I was surrounded by inspiring potters and friendly faces who built me up everyday. From there, Nikkie Stutts Ceramics bloomed.

I now have my very own studio and make work that makes me happy and what I believe would make my customers happy too. My sole mission in starting this business has been to figure out how to do what I love every day and somehow make a living off of it. The way I view my personal success is not money, it is my happiness and time. Time is everything to me, it has been so freeing (but also challenging) to be so in control of my schedule. The biggest hurdle with this business has been disciplining myself, either not to overwork myself or to dig up the motivation to get me into my studio. I am constantly seeking balance, but coffee always helps! It is only me in the studio, I am the sole maker of everything NSC, and I run into challenges every day because of this, from social media to customer orders and problem solving, it is all me. I am so glad I get to have a hand in all of the working pieces of a business it has truly taught me more than any classroom could. When it comes to my art work there is nothing I can not learn if I don’t give it a shot.

Nikkie Stutts Ceramics pieces aim to put the fun in functional. I want each piece to have a special place in whoever’s heart/home it goes to. These works of art are meant to be enjoyed on a daily basis, whether it is in your kitchen or high up on a shelf. I want people who buy my pieces to use them and get to look and them and think “fun”, I really just want to spark a little joy! My pieces range from simple to a touch of quirky and are priced to be approachable and accessible to all people and I intend to continue my business this way.

I want my customers and followers to know that my work is ever changing. My style develops over time as I, as an artist hone my skills and evolve over time. I look back at the pieces I made just a few months ago and think “wow, I have changed so much since then”. I feel like my pieces are a little part of me and with every one I continue to grow.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Instagram! I know I am not alone when I say social media has been the biggest source of clients for my business. It opens the doors of my business to the world! And from that I am so thankful, it has been incredible not only to gain business from these awesome people but also meet some wonderful other artist through social media. Some have even become real life friends!! I absolutely find it the best way to connect with future customers and share your latest and greatest each day.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

While social media has definitely been the biggest assist in building my reputation within my market, I would also say in person markets and events are just as great if not better at connecting with other makers and growing your business. I am naturally a little shy so doing these markets and putting my face out there as the brand has been at times overwhelming but overall the most fulfilling thing I have done with my life thus far. I can not explain the feeling of meeting a fan of your work in person at a market or faire. I think that connection between you and your customers only gets that much stronger when you are able to develop that relationship in person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nikkiestuttsceramics.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiestuttsceramics/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nikkie-stutts