“Hold Your Nerve”
One year ago my application to run a school for potters at Dart Marine Park in Totnes was accepted by South Hams District Council. This kind of took me by surprise as at that point I hadn't even thought of the name for the business.
All systems go from then though and with some great breakfast-in-bed brainstorming with Emily in Manchester we came up with the name "The Clay Yard". No time to feel apprehensive I then set about making my dream a reality. The space was perfectly located (just a 2 minute cycle downhill from my home) and with the bonus of a riverside view and 3-phase electrical supply I had to pinch myself.
From then on, the system went something like this... 1. Securing finance to buy assets and maintain cash-flow.
2. Creating the brand and designing the website (thank-you so much to daughters Emily (logo) and Katy (website) for this).
3. Designing the studio to enable "flow" through the many processes of making. Thank-you Verran for advice on this and Richenda McGregor for inspo from Studio 45, Dartington.
4. Setting up the utilities (water, electricity, broadband).
5. Getting the unit furnished and tooled-up.
6. Creating the course programme so that peeps could book on for the start-date in January 23.
7. Securing the talents of other teachers to provide a varied and interesting course offering (Lucy, Julia and Verran).
8. Acquiring a team of volunteers and expert helpers.
9. Organising a launch party (25 Jan 23)
10. Ordering clay.
And breathe!
From then on, the system went something like this... 1. Securing finance to buy assets and maintain cash-flow. 2. Creating the brand and designing the website (thank-you so much to daughters Emily (logo) and Katy (website) for this). 3. Designing the studio to enable "flow" through the many processes of making. Thank-you Verran for advice on this and Richenda McGregor for inspo from Studio 45, Dartington. 4. Setting up the utilities (water, electricity, broadband). 5. Getting the unit furnished and tooled-up. 6. Creating the course programme so that peeps could book on for the start-date in January 23. 7. Securing the talents of other teachers to provide a varied and interesting course offering (Lucy, Julia and Verran). 8. Acquiring a team of volunteers and expert helpers. 9. Organising a launch party (25 Jan 23) 10. Ordering clay. And breathe!
Along this amazing journey I have had to "Hold my Nerve" (thank-you for this key tip Pam Rabone). My advice to you is to stick with it, take risks, listen to the advice of experts and tune out the inevitable naysayer. You will ride the wave of challenge with the same sense of excitement and satisfaction that I have. Go for it!
