19 Business Ideas For Pottery Makers [2024]
As a pottery maker, you might be exploring new ways to turn your passion into profitable ventures. The year 2024 presents a variety of business opportunities tailored specifically for artisans like you. Whether you are looking to diversify your income streams or scale up your existing business, this guide provides practical ideas to consider.
From online retail platforms to personalized pottery classes, there are numerous avenues where your skills could translate into revenue. By leveraging modern tools and embracing niche markets, you could find new customers and expand your brand's reach. Dive into these ideas to determine which paths align with your goals and resources.
The possibilities are plentiful, whether you're a seasoned potter or just starting out. You could explore collaborations with local businesses, or even venture into offering subscription boxes. Read on to discover actionable insights and tips for making the most out of your pottery-making talent in 2024.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other pottery maker businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start an etsy shop ($47.5K/month)
Starting an Etsy shop is a fantastic way for a pottery maker to supplement income, build their brand, and find new clients. By showcasing unique, handmade pottery pieces on Etsy, you could attract a global audience without the significant overhead costs of a physical storefront. The platform’s robust community and marketing tools also make it easier than ever to connect with potential buyers who appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry involved in pottery.
Why start an Etsy shop?
- You could reach a global audience, giving your pottery the exposure it deserves.
- You have the freedom to build and grow your brand while maintaining control over your product offerings.
- Starting on Etsy involves minimal upfront costs, making it accessible without large financial investments.
For more inspiration and success stories, visit this link.
How much you can make: $100 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Chasing Planner Peace is a planner company that has expanded from selling planner inserts on Etsy, to offering a one-stop shop customizable planner experience with over 300 inserts, a planner line, and various other related products, gaining a monthly revenue of around $25,000 at its busiest time of year.
2. Start an ecommerce store ($287K/month)
Starting an ecommerce store could be an excellent way to supplement your income, make extra money, or even build an entire business as a pottery maker. With the low overhead costs and increased reach that ecommerce offers, you could easily connect with a global audience and sell your unique creations online. This approach not only provides flexibility but also allows consumers to discover and purchase your pottery from the comfort of their homes.
Why choose an ecommerce store?
- You could reach a wider audience without geographical limitations, giving your pottery exposure to potential buyers around the world.
- With an online platform, you can showcase your products 24/7, providing customers with the convenience to shop at any time.
- Lower overhead costs compared to a physical store mean more profit for you while still maintaining high visibility and customer engagement.
For more insights, check out eCommerce store success stories.
How much you can make: $350 — $13,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Southern Elegance Candle Company, founded by D'Shawn Russell, started as a side hustle making around $200 per weekend at a local Farmers Market, but now averages approximately $20,000 per month in sales across their retail site, wholesale site, and Faire.
3. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)
Setting up an online retail store can be a highly effective way for a pottery maker to diversify income streams and tap into a broader market. The low overhead costs involved and the ease of setting up a digital platform make it straightforward to start. Whether you're drop-shipping ceramics or listing your handmade items, an online store allows you to focus more on creative production while scaling your sales efforts globally.
Operating an online retail store provides the flexibility to sell a variety of pottery items based on emerging trends and customer preferences. With multiple e-commerce platforms available, setting up and managing your own store doesn’t require extensive technical skills. Explore more successful online retail store business ideas to inspire your journey.
Why start an online retail store? - Low startup costs reduce financial risk and allow you to allocate resources towards better tools and materials. - You gain access to a global customer base, expanding your market reach beyond local sales. - Selling online provides data and analytics to understand customer preferences and improve your product lineup.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A high school student turned his love for LEGO into a $1.6k/month business, Summerfield's Toys, by reselling sets online through eBay, BrickLink, and Facebook Marketplace, in addition to buying and reselling brand new sets.
4. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be an excellent way for pottery makers to supplement their income by sharing their unique expertise and engaging with a passionate community of like-minded individuals. By identifying a profitable and underserved niche within the broader pottery community, such as eco-friendly pottery techniques or beginner’s guides to wheel-thrown pottery, you could create compelling content that resonates with readers. This platform would not only allow you to showcase your art but also monetize through affiliate links, collaborations with brands, and possibly even speaking engagements.
Why start a niche blog?
- You could generate a passive income stream by monetizing your content through affiliate marketing and brand collaborations.
- Sharing your pottery knowledge and passion can help you establish yourself as an authority, expanding your reach and influence.
- A well-executed niche blog can drive traffic to your online store or classes, increasing sales and engagement across your business.
For more insights on how niche blogs can be profitable, check out this niche blog profitability guide.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
5. Start an art business ($61.4K/month)
Starting an art business as a pottery maker can be a lucrative and fulfilling venture. With the flexibility to work on your schedule, you could set your prices and sell your creations through various channels like online marketplaces, local galleries, and craft fairs. Plus, this is an excellent way to convert your passion for pottery into a source of income, opening up avenues to explore your creativity while sustaining yourself financially.
Why start an art business?
- You could gain direct access to a broad audience by selling your pottery online through platforms like Etsy.
- Setting your prices allows you to value your work appropriately and potentially earn a higher profit margin.
- Engaging in an art business lets you balance your creative interests with entrepreneurial aspirations, turning your passion into a viable career path.
For more detailed information on starting an art business, visit Starter Story’s guide on how to start an art business.
How much you can make: $876 — $415,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
6. Start a jewelry making business ($248K/month)
If you're a pottery maker, launching a jewelry making business could be a natural extension of your creative skills and craftsmanship. Given your experience with materials and design, you could find it relatively seamless to branch out into creating unique, handcrafted jewelry pieces. The global jewelry market was valued at $278 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach $292 billion by 2025, offering plenty of opportunities for supplemental income or even a full-fledged side business.
Why start a jewelry making business?
- You could leverage your existing artistic skills to create intricate and unique jewelry pieces.
- The jewelry market is vast and growing, providing numerous sales opportunities both online and offline.
- Diversifying your product line could attract a broader customer base and increase overall earnings.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession.
7. Become an online dating consultant ($15.9K/month)
Supplementing your income as an online dating consultant can be a creative endeavor for pottery makers. As someone who understands aesthetics, presentation, and the art of storytelling through your work, you could easily translate those skills into helping clients craft impressive online dating profiles. Combining your artistic insights with strategic communication could not only provide you with additional revenue but also offer a fulfilling way to help people find meaningful connections.
Why consider becoming an online dating consultant?
- You could utilize your eye for detail to transform client profiles, making them more appealing and authentic.
- You already understand the power of a first impression through your art; translating this to online dating profiles is a natural extension.
- Diversifying into this field can provide a steady side income, using skills you already possess in a new and rewarding way.
For more details on starting as an online dating consultant, check out this Starter Story guide.
How much you can make: $1,300 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 47 days (?)
The Match Artist helps singles take amazing photos for their online dating profiles through a 3-hour executive shoot, coaching, and email course, pioneering a new genre of photography, with an average monthly revenue of $5,000-$6,000 and a plan to double down on paid ad campaigns in the future.
8. Start a museum tours business
As a pottery maker, starting a museum tours business could offer a unique way to supplement your income by leveraging your expertise in art and craftsmanship. You could give specialized tours highlighting pottery exhibits, share fascinating stories about different pottery styles, techniques, and history, and provide a deeper understanding that resonates with art enthusiasts and tourists alike. This venture not only allows you to earn extra money but also builds a platform to promote your own work and create meaningful community connections. Check out these tips for starting a museum tours business.
Why consider starting a museum tours business?
- As an artist, you could provide unique, expert insights into pottery exhibits, elevating the tour experience.
- Leading museum tours would expand your network, connecting you with potential customers, art collectors, and collaborators.
- This business would diversify your income stream, allowing you to earn money through both your artistry and your knowledge of pottery and art history.
How much you can make: $250,000/month
Meet Museum Hack: The NYC-based company that made $2.8 million in revenue in 2018, offering renegade tours of the world's best museums through VIP, fast-paced, story-based, and social events, and now adapting to social distancing with online storytelling workshops.
9. Start an IT company ($23.8K/month)
Consider embarking on the journey of starting an IT company as a pottery maker. Just as you shape clay into beautiful and functional pieces, you could shape the digital world by providing technology services and solutions such as software development, network management, and cybersecurity. The increasing reliance on technology in businesses offers abundant opportunities to leverage your tech skills and address real market needs.
Building an IT company requires dedication, as you'll need to keep up with rapidly evolving technologies and maintain strong client relationships. If you enjoy problem-solving and innovation, starting an IT company could be a fulfilling business venture that complements your artistic pursuits. For more ideas, you might find inspiration here: IT Company Success Stories.
Why start an IT company?
- The demand for IT services is growing, ensuring a steady market for your skills.
- It allows you to diversify your income streams and can be a solid side business or even a primary venture.
- You can combine your creativity with technical expertise to offer unique and innovative solutions.
How much you can make: $500 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,200 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.
10. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business can be a lucrative and complementary venture for pottery makers. As you create beautiful and unique pottery pieces, you could capture high-quality images of your work and sell them as stock photos to businesses for marketing purposes. This approach allows you to generate additional passive income while showcasing your craftsmanship in a different medium. You can build an impressive portfolio and leverage an online presence to sell your stock photos faster and at profitable margins. For more insights on starting a stock photography business, click here.
Why starting a stock photography business?
- You could diversify your income streams by selling images of your pottery online.
- High-quality photos of your pottery can attract attention to your primary business.
- Photography business can be started with minimal investment and time, making it an ideal side hustle.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
11. Start an online food business ($336K/month)
As a pottery maker, diversifying your business ventures to include an online food business could blend your creative skills with a profitable opportunity. Imagine pairing your beautiful, handcrafted pottery with gourmet food products delivered straight to your customers' doorsteps. This unique combination could help you tap into new markets and offer a complete dining experience, all while supplementing your income and making your pottery stand out in a crowded market.
Why starting an online food business?
- You could offer a complete dining experience by pairing your pottery with gourmet meals and serving ware.
- It allows you to diversify your revenue streams, combining your love for pottery with a booming industry.
- An online food business offers flexibility, allowing you to balance pottery making alongside this venture seamlessly.
Discover more about profitable food ventures and how to get started here.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 135 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
12. Start a yoga tutoring business ($34.5K/month)
As a pottery maker, you could supplement your income and diversify your business by starting a yoga tutoring business. The tactile nature of working with clay has inherent mindfulness and meditative qualities, which align perfectly with the principles of yoga. This synergy allows you to leverage your creative skills and attract clients who appreciate the blend of art and wellness. You can take advantage of this growing industry by starting a yoga tutoring business today. Research has shown that yoga holds many health benefits, and the demand for quality yoga trainers is on the rise.
Learn more about starting a yoga tutoring business.
Why consider starting a yoga tutoring business?
- You could start your classes from home, adding a new revenue stream without significant overhead.
- There's a natural synergy between the mindfulness of pottery and the meditative practice of yoga, attracting a broader client base.
- Minimal initial investment is required, making it an accessible way to test the waters and expand your entrepreneurial endeavors.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $59,000/month
How long does it take to build: 275 days (?)
Yoga Strong, a performance fitness accessories company, developed the perfect quality yoga mat with "Composite Technology," sourcing materials from over 200 yoga mat tests, and uses limited drops and influencer and affiliate partnerships to attract and retain customers, all while showing close to $10,000 in monthly sales.
13. Start a business coaching ($121K/month)
If you’re experienced in the world of pottery and have a knack for helping others succeed, starting a business coaching service could be a lucrative and fulfilling side business. Business coaching allows you to leverage your expertise to guide other entrepreneurs through their challenges, helping them develop strategies and improve performance.
Demand for skilled business coaches is growing as more people seek expert guidance in navigating complex business landscapes. By starting a business coaching service, you can help others unlock their potential and achieve their goals, all while building a rewarding career for yourself.
Why start a business coaching service?
- You could provide valuable insights to budding entrepreneurs based on your own experiences, fostering their growth.
- Coaching could open new networking opportunities and expand your professional circle.
- It’s a highly adaptable business that you can tailor around your pottery-making schedule, offering flexible income possibilities.
To learn more, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $541,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
MentorCruise is a career coaching marketplace generating $24k MRR and processing $1M annually for mentors, with most traffic and sales coming from SEO and organic sources, currently looking to expand to the B2B market.
14. Start a hunting accessories
Starting a hunting accessories business could be a strategic move for a pottery maker looking to diversify their income. As someone ingrained in the crafts and niche market, you could leverage your existing creative skills to design and produce unique hunting accessories such as custom ceramic game calls or scent eliminators. By blending functionality with artisanal craftsmanship, you could differentiate your products in a highly competitive market.
Consider setting up an online store and forming partnerships with manufacturers or existing brands to expand your product offerings. Marketing through social media channels and hunting forums will help you reach avid hunters and create a loyal customer base. For more insights, check out these hunting accessories success stories.
Why starting a hunting accessories business?
- You could combine your artistic skills with product functionality, offering something unique to hunters.
- The hunting industry is growing, providing ample opportunity for niche products that stand out.
- This venture allows you to diversify your income and tap into a dedicated, passion-driven customer base.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 270 days (?)
Silent Pursuit is a hunting industry startup that sells deer stalking/hunting moccasins designed to reduce noise and increase comfort while hunting, with a successful launch that brought in around $2k per month, and plans to expand their product line and improve online sales with efficient marketing on Facebook and Google.
15. Start a product photography business ($27.2K/month)
As a pottery maker, starting a product photography business could be a profitable side gig or even a primary business. Leveraging your artistic eye and understanding of how to showcase products beautifully, you could help other online sellers improve their listings with high-quality, appealing photos. This skill not only boosts their sales but also adds a valuable service to your repertoire. Check out profits, pros and cons, and tips on starting a product photography business at Starter Story.
Considering a Product Photography Business?
- Leverage your artistic skills: As a pottery maker, you already have the visual acumen needed for top-notch product photography.
- Diversify your income: Product photography could supplement your pottery income, especially in slower seasons.
- Fill a market need: Many online sellers need high-quality images to attract customers and boost sales.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $84,239/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
16. Start an adventure travel agent ($138K/month)
Starting an adventure travel agency could be a fitting side business or income supplement for a pottery maker. While your pottery skills reflect creativity and an eye for detail, these qualities can translate well into planning and organizing unique, adventurous travel experiences. Furthermore, this venture can help you diversify your income streams and capitalize on the growing interest in meaningful, experience-driven tourism.
Why consider starting an adventure travel agency?
- You could leverage your keen eye for detail and creativity to craft and curate unforgettable adventure travel experiences.
- Diversifying into the adventure travel industry could provide you with additional income and business opportunities.
- By creating a niche within the adventure travel market, you could attract a clientele that values artistic and immersive experiences, adding a unique twist to traditional travel packages.
For more about starting an adventure travel agency, you can read some real-world success stories here.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 175 days (?)
Araratour, led by Nune Tatunts, experienced impressive revenue growth, doubling its 2018 revenue to bring in $13,000 a month in 2019, offering combined tours around the Caucasus and Central Asia, and now has an office in three countries.
17. Start a palm beach tan franchise business
As a pottery maker, diversifying your income stream with a Palm Beach Tan franchise business can be a smart move. Given the typically slow and steady sales cycle of pottery, having a franchise that offers a consistent revenue stream could provide financial stability. Additionally, running a franchise could align well with your creative entrepreneurial mindset, offering you new opportunities for growth and business expansion.
Why consider a Palm Beach Tan franchise business?
- It provides a steady income stream that complements the more unpredictable sales of pottery.
- You could leverage the franchise's established brand and customer base to ensure a reliable revenue source.
- Managing a franchise can enrich your overall business acumen, potentially benefiting your primary pottery business as well.
For more detailed insights into the pros and cons of starting a Palm Beach Tan franchise, check out this article by Starter Story.
18. Start an online business tool ($10.4K/month)
Expanding your pottery business with an online business tool can be a game-changer. These tools, like project management apps or CRM systems, automate tasks and enhance productivity. By either developing or reselling such tools, you could open a new revenue stream while helping other businesses streamline their processes. The demand for efficient online tools is growing, providing a substantial opportunity for those skilled in understanding business needs and technology. For more insights, check out some success stories.
Why develop an online business tool?
- You'll meet a burgeoning need. As more businesses go digital, the demand for reliable online tools is exploding.
- You'll diversify your income. Creating or reselling these tools offers a new revenue stream on top of your pottery sales.
- You'll leverage your existing skills. Use your knowledge of business operations to create niche solutions other businesses need.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $20,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Stagetimer generates $8,000 in monthly revenue by providing a simple online countdown timer for event producers to keep meetings and presentations on time, built based on a need in the market and validated through word of mouth and search engine optimization.
19. Start a magazine rack manufacturing business
As a pottery maker, branching out into magazine rack manufacturing could be a natural extension of your artistic and crafting skills. Producing unique, hand-crafted magazine racks allows you to explore different materials and design techniques, which can complement the versatility you already demonstrate in pottery. Additionally, capitalizing on customer demand for functional yet aesthetically pleasing home decor items can help you generate supplementary income or even establish a new revenue stream.
Why start a magazine rack manufacturing business?
- You could diversify your creative portfolio by incorporating wood, metal, or other complementary materials into your designs.
- Magazine racks serve as a functional art piece that can be sold alongside your pottery, appealing to a broader range of customers.
- Expanding your product line offers potential for increased sales and business growth.
For more information about startup costs, explore this page on magazine rack manufacturing business startup costs.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
