We recently connected with Tiffany Lowery and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffany , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

When I started selling my pottery I was 20 years old, still in college and wide eyed to the world of business. I was very fortunate that after I graduated I was able to jump into my business full-time. However that also meant I never actually had a 9-5 full-time job. Sure, I had part time jobs or odd jobs but never a job with a “grown up paycheck and responsibilities.” This never bothered me when the business was taking off but if you are a business owner you’re aware of the up and downs that come with the freedom of being your own boss. I recently had a slow time in my business and kept hitting walls. It seemed as if everything I tried didn’t work out. And for a serious moment I thought about applying for a more “stable” job, one I could get a regular amount of money and only do what was told of me instead of make all these pain staking decisions by myself. But one day I had a few people stop by my studio to shop and the amount of joy that lite their faces when seeing my work brought back why I love this and why I do this. Seeing people in awe of clay not only mine but the work they create in a class makes my heart full. I know it sounds cliche but I got into pottery because I truly can’t see my life without it. Even if I had a 9-5, I would still be making pots after work or on the weekends. So my thought was, “what is more important to me.” For me it was my happiness and spreading it to others. And I know it’s a luxury to say “oh money isn’t important” because it is. Which can be a puzzling thought in your mind while running a business you love, and having a non-consistent amount of money coming in. Honesty, I don’t have the answer to that yet. But I do know that for right now I want to continue with what I love. If later down the line I decide to pursue something else, that’s okay as well. It doesn’t mean failure if your career path changes and it doesn’t mean your not going anywhere if it doesn’t.

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.

Hi, I’m Tiffany Lowery! I am a functional potter and small business owner located out of Lake Charles, Louisiana. I hand make pottery inspired by nature with a neutral and minimalist twist to bring the great outdoors into your home. From hand painted flower mugs to neutral spoon rests I make pottery that will hopefully brighten up your everyday life!

I was always on the market for neutral but durable kitchenware but could never find any that I liked. Either they were nice but I felt like they were too fancy to use or they were the same thing everyone had. I make unique, one-of-a-kind chic ceramics that can still be used everyday.

I teach clay classes from a local boutique once a month and from my home studio once a week. I am currently the only potter that I know of in the area that offers consistent classes, so I want to introduce this area to clay and make it more accessible.

Many of my students have come back multiple classes and some are have turned it into a hobby they frequently enjoy.

I started clay as an elective in college. My best friend was an art major and encouraged me to take a class with her so we could at least have one class together that semester. I didn’t want to take it at first, the thought of being covered in clay for all my other classes seemed unappealing. But once I started making I fell in love and ended up minoring in ceramics with my bachelor in communications.

During school I began to sell my pots with friends and family, then soon after I graduated I went full-time into my business. I have been working full-time since October ’21.

My main goal for this is to spread joy through clay. Either by my own art or them falling in love with making.

I think I am most proud of taking a leap into this business. I am normally someone who hesitates and goes with the safe route. To go after this job was completely out of my comfort zone. I had a lot of support and help along the way for my lovely family and friends. And I feel I have grown into a better person from the trails of being a business owner. Plus it constantly challenges me so I never get bored!

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

I believe treating people as friends helped my reputation. Showing them I make the work and that I am someone reliable they can trust. Many customers have become real friends this way and from that they share my name with others. I believe people like to put a face to a name and truly connect with that person.

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

For me personally social media has brought in many of my clients. But also word of mouth. So I feel that I gain more new customers with social media and can reach a larger target audience. But word of mouth generates my repeat buyers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thenaturesclay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenaturesclay/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenaturesclay?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-lowery
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thenaturesclay
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT8dSytVY/

Image Credits
Christa Daigle