We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joanna Kramer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joanna below.

Joanna, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I was working as a school social worker and art therapist while teaching ceramics out of a community studio. I decided to rent a small space and commit to a one-year lease. My goal was to cover my expenses. The pressure and excitement of trying to do this kept me focused. After my studio was set up, I advertised for one-night hand-building clay workshops, kids classes, birthday parties, private lessons, as well as my ceramic work. Additionally, I reached out to a local shop that agreed to sell my work. The response from the community was positive and I have been running my studio for six years now. The mindset of just taking the next step has helped me feel comfortable about the risks of starting a business.

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 was seven when I made my first functional piece, an ashtray for my bubbie. I have always been drawn to art that can be touched and handled. I was working as a school social worker and would go to my studio on weekends. I wished I could spend more time working in clay. I started teaching one-time workshops at the Midwest Clay Guild, where I had my studio. I was selling my work at fairs and shows. I decided to sign a one-year lease and start my studio. I hustled to make it work. I contacted local shops to sell my work and taught more classes. My business has grown organically, and I keep taking the next step. I live in a community that values and supports artists and handmade work. My biggest seller is my mugs. I love knowing I am having coffee with lots of different people every morning.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down all in-person clay workshops, I pivoted to online clay classes. People were looking for a way to connect with others and this helped. I prepared Clay Kits which included clay and tools needed for the projects I would teach online. It was a Bob Ross situation with me showing everyone how to make a mug or clay box. Participants could ask questions and at the end of the class, everyone would hold up their finished pieces. It was a way to feel connected and an online clay community was created. I was approached by a couple of universities to do online workshops for their students. The biggest online workshop had 100 people. Projects would be dropped off at my studio and I would fire them and arrange for pick up.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

the most popular item I sell are mugs. I always have mugs in stock to sell at my studio. Oftentimes, people will let me know I have made their favorite mug and even if it’s dirty in the dishwasher, they take it out and clean it. I love hearing that I am part of someone’s morning ritual or a custom mug has helped them while battling cancer. I am a functional potter, so I am thrilled when I hear that my pottery is incorprated into someone’s life.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joannakramer.com
• Instagram: @joanna.kramer
• Facebook: joanna kramer ceramics