Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in pottery but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dale Doering, an Artist & Founder of AllenPottery, located in Loveland, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I make functional pottery, from coffee mugs to complete dinner sets. These pieces can be used every day. I like to think of my pottery being used and washed rather than just looked at and dusted. My customers are people wanting something different than a product that is mass-produced. They are 25-45 years of age, educated, ecology-minded, and handmade artist-designed products are important to them.
Tell us about yourself
I have been an entrepreneur my entire career. I am a Colorado native and now live in Loveland, Colorado. I have spent 40+ years in the construction industry. Building and remodeling homes. I took a pottery class in High School and made a few pottery pieces. They were coil and slab projects, but I never was introduced to the pottery wheel. About 15 years ago, I got a chance to take a pottery class in Grand Junction, Colorado, and was introduced to the pottery wheel. I found out that I had a natural talent for it! Life happened, and I didn't touch the wheel after a few months. Fast forward to March of 2019, I got the bug again and decided to set up a pottery studio at home, and AllenPottery was born.
Allen is my middle name, and it flows better as a studio name. It has been such a great experience. Pottery has taught me a lot, patience, patience, and patience. Waiting for the pieces to dry to load the kiln. Waiting for the kiln to fire and cool down. Waiting for the glaze to dry to unload the kiln, and again waiting for the kiln to cool down again. After this long process, I finally got to see the finished product. Another big lesson I have learned is acceptance. Accepting where I'm at in the evolution of my craft. Acceptance of how the pottery piece turns out.
Every piece is unique and one of a kind. I now love that. I knew from the beginning of my pottery journey that I wanted to create functional pottery. I wanted to develop a business that delivered functional pieces directly from the potter to the customer. The energy of the piece could be in the new owner's life and in their home.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
For me, the biggest accomplishment is when a customer sees my work and is moved to purchase it for a gift or for themselves. When that happens, I am satisfied.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest thing is that the entire business rests on me. I have been a business owner for so long that I am used to it, but it can be a lonely place.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Surround yourself with people that support you. Get rid of people that drag you down.
- Figure out what you love, and go after it. If you love it, the long hours will be worth it.
- Learn the best in your field, listen to what they say, but in the end, make it your own. If you make it your own, there will be so much satisfaction in the end.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.allenpottery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/AllenPottery/100034744166911/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allen_pottery/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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