We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elena Velasco a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Elena, thanks for joining us today. 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.

Upon moving from San Diego to Austin, I had just graduated with a masters in fine arts and was pregnant with my daughter so it was recognized as an incredibly momentous time in my life. The decisions I would make in the next months would determine the path for a new stage in my life. I felt lost and intimidated as my college debt, newness, and insecurities about living in a new city felt heavy on my shoulders. I drove into San Marcos as the sun set one day and the familiarity of a city I once lived felt comforting. As I inched my way to Austin, I had expectations of teaching at a college level but soon found that those opportunities were not only few and far between but job stability were lacking. I decided to go on the hunt for a job that would fit my degree (ceramic art) and provide job satisfaction. After 3 weeks of being in Austin I came upon a teaching position that had other components I enjoyed such as customer service and painting. It was at a paint your own ceramics studio and I enjoyed the people I worked with, the owner’s values, and tasks that I was given. Unfortunately, they went out of business and although I was saddened by the news, I was given the opportunity to purchase their equipment at an affordable rate. Rent in Austin, Tx is not budget friendly city so when a family member and I were coming up with a strategies on next moves, mobile art instruction came to be on the top of the list. Everything I needed to throw pottery parties fit in my SUV and since I knew no one else was offering this service, I felt elated and excited about the upcoming adventures!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a mother, business owner, and a Special Education teacher that lives in Austin, Tx. Originally from El Paso, Tx, I hold a Master’s of Fine Arts degree from San Diego State University. Although my preferred method of making art lies in installation sculpture with wood and clay, I enjoy teaching others how to utilize the potter’s wheel as well. As an educator that has 15 years experience, I have worked with people of all ages as well as creativity and ability levels. I recognize that art has been found to the increase academic achievement as well as social and emotional development which I highly value. I started Pottery Class on Wheels so l could expose people to the fun of making ceramics and the benefits of art education. I created a mobile classroom and supply all of the materials and equipment for clients to make personal pieces in the comfort of their chosen environment. I am most proud of how enjoyable the ceramic creating process is for clients. They not only have a great time building, but they are so excited when they receive their finished pieces. Art making is one of the best ways to celebrate any special occasion, bring a group together, and foster creativity all while learning a fun skill.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation has grown in a positive direction through ensuring that my values align with my actions and practices. I value family, community, art, and education. It is through these key priorities that guide my decisions. I treat customers like family and I understand their enthusiasm to create, connect, and celebrate. As I walk away from events, I know that everyone has had a great time, made treasured memories, and created something beautiful.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was exited as I was about to embark on my third gig. The party was being thrown in someone’s backyard of their private residence. The guest of honor was celebrating her 15th birthday and even though I was a bit apprehensive as teenagers are unpredictable with what they get into, I was happy I was about to serve an age I hadn’t previously worked with in regards to my business. I arrive on time and as I am pulling up I notice that the house is on top of what seemed like a steep hill. Thinking back, it probably wasn’t as arduous as I envisioned but it was indeed a challenge to haul all my equipment up that upward slope. Standing at five feet and one inch, my canvased table toppers tower above me as I am carry them to the destination. Since it was early in my career, I hadn’t quite learned how to carry it all efficiently. After numerous trips, clients can see me sweating and out of breath with rose colored cheeks as I make my hike from my car to the backyard over and over. It was embarrassing and even if clients offer to help, I much prefer to sweat and suffer then accept help from customers whose main job is to enjoy the party that is happening. I settled in to our spot and started prepping the supplies. The teen artists were not impressed, it did not seem like something they wanted to do. The saving grace came as they made their bowls, sculptures, and other forms. They began to connect with each other and I witnessed smiles, laughing, and a deep focus and joy that came from their art making. Just as I was about to exhale, the sky opened up and it started raining. I started to scramble to get all the completed pieces protected from the downpour. By the end, the teens were ready to move on to the next activity. A three hour party turned into a two hour fiasco and I left with my head hung a little lower. The following days I made sure to strategize to problem solve. As a result, I was able to consolidate my materials and equipment that led to fewer trips. Also, since then I have had numerous parties with teens that have all had positive experiences.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.potteryclassonwheels.com/index.html
• Instagram: @potteryclassonwheels
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PotteryOnWheels
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-velasco-80980615/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pottery-class-on-wheels-austin?osq=Pottery+Classes