2024: A Year of Growth and Reflection
Now that 2024 has come to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year of unexpected success and incredible impact. Starting this journey, I never imagined the connections and opportunities that would unfold through my handmade pottery business. Not only did we sell over 834 handcrafted pieces, but we also formed meaningful relationships with families and individuals, witnessing firsthand how handmade pottery could brighten someone's daily life.
With just three hours of work most nights, about five days a week, I discovered how creativity and commitment could transform not only my life but also my community. Who knew that a handmade pottery business could shift my trajectory and foster connections I never dreamed possible?
The Why Behind the Work
Before diving into our year’s accomplishments, I want to share why I started this journey. I've always struggled with idle hands—I need to be creating, moving, or doing something productive. Before pottery, I spent countless hours gaming, achieving goals that, while entertaining, felt ultimately empty. Pottery changed that.
Starting a handmade pottery business gave me a purpose beyond myself. It allowed me to engage with the world around me, build something tangible, and financially support my family in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Even more, it created the foundation for a legacy I hope to pass down to my children. My dream is to involve them in this work, teaching them the value of hard work and creativity while building a future they can one day take over.
Milestones and Lessons from 2024
Early Success:
By January, MM Pottery Co. had been in business for just five months, with only a 125 pieces sold. I braced for a slow start to the year, expecting post-holiday sales to plummet. To my surprise, sales steadily climbed, driven by demand for our handmade pottery during the colder months.
Spring Innovation:
With the arrival of spring and increased foot traffic at the farmers market, we introduced the "Felix" mug—a tall, slender design that had a very different feel than the Bob. While initial sales were modest, they gained traction as the season progressed. We also began teasing our dinnerware line, sparking excitement and inquiries that kept customers engaged.
The Felix Coffee Mug
This is our Felix mug. It is a taller, more slender mug that offers a taller hand grip.
Challenges of Growth:
Summer brought new challenges as temperatures soared above 95°F, dampening mug sales. However, our drinking glasses saw a significant uptick. This shift allowed us to debut our dinnerware line, resulting in unexpected success. Within two weeks, we received orders for over 120 pieces, including two large orders of 36 and 48-piece sets. The complexity of creating identical pieces posed challenges, but it was a rewarding learning experience.
Community Impact:
One of the year’s most profound moments came during the holiday season. When a friend's family faced a crisis, we donated all earnings from our final three markets, raising nearly $5,000. This effort underscored the incredible opportunities this handmade pottery business has created—not just for me but for those around us.
Looking Ahead to 2025
This past year was far from easy. Poor planning, tight deadlines, and sleepless nights taught me countless lessons. My focus for 2025 is on streamlining production, especially for our signature handmade pottery pieces. By pulling back from some markets and concentrating on efficiency in the first quarter, I aim to lay the groundwork for even greater success.
Through it all, MM Pottery Co. remains committed to delivering quality products that we stand behind and that the consumer appreciates. We’re grateful for the customers who trust us to create something special, whether it’s a handmade mug for their morning coffee or a full dinnerware set for their new home.
I invite you to join us on this journey. Follow us on Instagram, read our blog, or subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates and deals. Here's to another year of creativity, connection, and community impact.