My name is Katie Thomson and I currently own & operate a small pottery studio in Westville, NJ. When I first started my business in 2020, I focused on creating and selling my work. In May of 2021, I decided to share my passion for clay & offer beginner pottery classes! Since then, the business has grown rapidly. We quickly outgrew our first 2 studios and we are now outgrowing our 3rd. With the amount of students and members currently enrolled, we are bursting at the seams! We want to ask for help to raise funds for a larger location – nearly 3 times the size of our current location!

The bigger location would offer many opportunities for the business to grow, and more importantly, endless possibilities for the students and members of the studio.

Our students and members are passionate about our clay community & often express it is their “happy place”. I am proud to say alongside my students, we’ve created a safe and inclusive space for everyone to express themselves with clay! I know in my heart that we are making a difference in the community of South Jersey. At Hugs Ceramics, our students are doctors, nurses, scientists, teachers, stay-at-home moms, retired folks, university admins, zookeepers, graphic designers, professors, farmers, musicians, lawyers, and MORE who have all come together in our clay community! Each member of this community all have one thing in common – they are potters! The studio, the clay, and the creativity bring us all together. We have forged lifetime friendships and we are always learning and encouraging one another to keep creating.

We need $60,000 to expand into the bigger location! Yikes! 

I know this is a lot to ask for – but we have always been funded by ourselves. We built this community together.

As always, I like to be transparent about the business & what the funds are for –

$10,000 – Cover 2 months of leasing at the new location to allow us to move/settle in
$20,000 – Electric & Plumbing Work – Wheel/Kiln Outlets & 6 Sink Installations
$10,000 – Purchase of a 2nd Kiln
$10,000 – Purchase of 10 pottery wheels for the Member Area
$10,000 – Purchase of Misc. Equipment such as tables, slab roller, shelving, wholesale supplies and tools

If I’m being honest, the costs will probably be more than this. If we can meet our goal of $60,000 it will allow us to begin operating ASAP. With a larger location, we can welcome new students, new members, offer more classes & workshops, and even provide a gallery/store where people can purchase student work or glaze/clay/tools. In addition, we can bring on more permanent members for our staff!

Members will be able to enjoy 24/7 access to the studio with no time restrictions. A separate classroom area for classes to run without hindering open studio time. A recreation room for parties, events, & to invite other artists to teach other mediums. A gallery & storefront for selling pottery, tools, supplies, & more. Local potters would be able to come to us for clay, glaze, and tools without having to drive to the nearest ceramic supply shop. A dedicated office space for admin work. And so much more!

The South Jersey community is constantly growing but there is a lack of creative and art related educational experiences for adults & children. I know we are making a difference by providing a space for everyone to learn something new and express their creativity. It is my hope that with this new location, we can continue to provide the community with endless possibilities for creativity  and facilitate new friendships through the magic of clay. 
 

Please consider making a contribution to our studio expansion! I am always available to answer questions, chat, or brainstorm – you can email me directly at katie@hugsceramics.com .

We also gladly welcome sponsorships from local business! Sponsorship packages include advertisement of your business on our website and in our studio!

No contribution is too small! I understand everyone is struggling in these uncertain economic times. If you can’t contribute right now, please share & spread the word about us!