Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Stephanie Washburn, Owner of Celestial Surf Studio, located in Wilmington, NC, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I create small batch ceramic works infused with crystals, shells, and 22kt gold details. While I'm known best for my opulent combination of vibrant, drippy glazes and crystal inclusions, I also have a very busy relationship with creating minimalist wholesale pieces as well. When I'm not creating ceramic work, you can find me teaching yoga, guiding wheel-throwing classes, and hosting workshops in my studio. I create work for and sell to folks in town and across the country, with pieces having even made it to Australia and Canada.
Tell us about yourself
I was inspired to create the work that I do from a desire to see things I thought should exist in the world. When I first started playing with the incorporation of crystals into my work, I was in the mindset of wanting to join two elements that used to exist deep within the earth side by side before being separated and extracted for their own respective intended use. I thought it could be a beautiful full-circle moment to bring clay and crystal back together as a finished, functional piece. Each day I am motivated to push the boundaries on matching and contrasting glaze colors to the stones I work with, growing in my skill, and sharing what I love doing most with others.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Being able to create community engagement and help others find a moment of stillness is one of my biggest ongoing accomplishments as a business owner. I create the work that I do to elevate the daily routines and rituals of the people who interact with these pieces. I believe that the more sacred and special we make each moment, each artifact that we interact with, the more in tune with our higher purpose and best self we are. Having a studio space that accommodates the workshops and classes that I offer has been integral in helping me lead people through a more elevated way of interacting with and cherishing otherwise mundane products.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Being a business owner with a lot of ambition comes with its own challenges. At times, it's difficult to find a balance between rest and productivity. It can feel like you're shouting your intentions into an abyss when promoting products or events at times, but the reward of having sales and people show up and be interested in what you have to offer makes it all worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Have a clear goal of who you are and what you offer.
- Start right with an accountant and follow all the steps to become official on paper sooner rather than later.
- Stay true to your vision and passion - don't let trends or what others are doing dictate how you show up in your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.celestialsurfstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celestial.surf.studio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial.surf.studio/
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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