Ep 706: Scaling a Pottery Business with Sarah Wolf (Part One!)

What if you could grow your business and build a team without becoming a factory—creating a business that values craft, flexibility, and the humans behind the work?

In this conversation, Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics shares her journey from studying geochemistry to building an eight-person ceramics studio in Hood River, Oregon. She opens up about the early years working from her parents' basement, the vulnerable decision to hire her first team members, and how the pandemic unexpectedly accelerated her growth. Sarah reveals the real financial details behind major business moves—from signing her first commercial lease to buying a house that needed a mortgage workaround—and why learning to set clear boundaries actually created more freedom for everyone on her team. Whether you're considering your first hire or wondering if sustainable growth is even possible in ceramics, Sarah's story offers both permission and practical wisdom for building a business that works for your life.

Applications are now open to Naomi Clement's "Finding Your Voice" mentorship program!  This mentorship is all about the why behind your work.  It's a five month virtual program designed specifically for makers like you who are ready to explore new creative directions and dig deeper into their work. Click here to learn more!

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Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
• 6:52 Balancing a Small Business
• 9:15 Team Dynamics and Flexibility
• 10:38 The Journey to Establishing a Business
• 17:50 Early Life and Influences
• 20:14 Discovering a Passion for Ceramics
• 31:11 Starting a Mug Club and Building a Following
• 36:47 Debating the Ethics of Using Jigs in Pottery
• 37:22 The Struggles of Making a Living from Clay
• 38:10 The Birth of Mug Club
• 38:39 Overcoming Anxiety and Embracing Excitement
• 39:34 Reframing Marketing and Embracing Ads
• 40:26 Starting the Studio in the Basement
• 43:56 The Mercy Corps Grant and Initial Equipment
• 45:47 Navigating Early Production Challenges
• 47:41 Hiring Help and Growing the Team
• 55:12 The Impact of the Pandemic on Sales
• 1:00:20 Moving to Hood River and Expanding the Studio
• 1:07:16 Escalation Clause and House Hunting
• 1:07:59 Winning the House and Writing a Letter
• 1:08:21 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey
• 1:08:48 Transitioning Business Operations
• 1:09:42 Building a Team and Delegating Responsibilities
• 1:12:33 The Importance of Systems and Guidelines
• 1:13:39 OUTRO