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PODCAST

Glazed Over

Glazed Over is the newest offering from the Contemporary Ceramic Studio Association. Own a ceramic studio and want to amplify your reach? Thinking of opening a contemporary ceramic art space but don’t know where to start? The CCSA has gathered experts, trade secrets, suppliers and more for your business to flourish, whether you’re a veteran studio owner or just joining the ranks. Listen in and subscribe for episode alerts so you don’t miss a beat.

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All Episodes

00:49:20

Arr to 30 Years: The 2026 CCSA Convention Recap

Glazed Over ·

2026/09/30

Vanessa Steele and Jessica Cowan recap the excitement of the 2026 CCSA Convention in Tampa! From inspiring classes and new supplier finds to memorable events, connections, and plenty of fun, join them for a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas and energy everyone brought home.This episode is perfect for those who attended and want to relive the experience, as well as anyone who missed this year’s convention—or has never attended before and wants to discover what makes CCSA Convention so special.

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00:35:46

Take Your Studio From Paper to Digital

Glazed Over ·

2026/09/16

Nell Wertz, owner of All Fired Up in Akron, Ohio, joins us to talk about CreativeQ, the studio management software she created to streamline customer orders, kiln operations, and pickup notifications. Nell shares how moving from paper-based systems to digital workflows has improved staff efficiency, organization, and the customer experience. We also explore KilnCare, CreativeQ’s digital kiln management system for tracking firings, maintenance, issues, and parts. Whether you’re looking to modernize

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00:27:40

From Vacationers to Repeat Customers

Glazed Over ·

2026/09/02

Melissa Shook, owner of Fire It Ceramics in Port Aransas, Texas, joins us to share how she built a thriving vacation-focused pottery studio over the past 19 years. She walks us through the systems behind her signature next-day pickup service, efficient kiln operations, and all-inclusive pricing model that keeps tourists coming back year after year. We also discuss creating memorable guest experiences, serving both locals and visitors, and the operational strategies that allow her team to handle

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00:51:17

Studio Confessions

Glazed Over ·

2026/08/19

Every studio owner has moments they wish they could do over—but those experiences often become the lessons that shape a stronger business. In this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa Steele sits down with Katie Yallaly of Doing Dishes in Florida and Chelsea Sushchena of Clay Canvas in Reno, for a candid conversation about the decisions, mistakes, and unexpected challenges they encountered while running their studios. Together, they share what those experiences taught them, what they would handle

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00:28:15

1099 vs. W-2 — Are You Classifying Your Staff Correctly?

Glazed Over ·

2026/08/05

This week on Glazed Over, we're joined by Casey Melidoni and Brandon Berkley from ADP to tackle one of the most confusing topics for studio owners: when someone should be a 1099 contractor, a vendor, or a W-2 employee.We break down real studio scenarios — from guest instructors and kiln technicians to seasonal staff — and discuss the legal, financial, and operational implications of each classification. We also cover the ABC test, contracts, insurance requirements, and why government agencies

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00:32:21

Rohde Kilns: Engineering, Efficiency, and the Future...

Glazed Over ·

2026/07/23

In this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa Steele sits down with Nathan and Manuel from Rohde Kilns to discuss what sets Rohde apart in the kiln industry and why more studio owners are considering their kilns for both new and expanding ceramics programs.From thoughtful German engineering and energy efficiency to innovative features designed with ceramic artists in mind, Nathan and Manuel share how Rohde kilns are built to deliver consistent results while making studio operations easier. Whether

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00:32:58

Convention Class Spotlight: Meet the Instructors

Glazed Over ·

2026/06/24

Get ready for the 2026 CCSA Convention with a special Convention Preview episode of Glazed Over! In this episode, our hosts sit down with three Convention instructors for exclusive behind-the-scenes conversations about their upcoming classes.Each segment offers a sneak peek into what attendees can expect, including key takeaways, practical tips, and the inspiration behind the class. From business strategies and marketing ideas to creative techniques and studio growth, you'll hear directly from

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00:39:03

Clay, Community & Mini Pottery Wheels

Glazed Over ·

2026/06/11

In this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa sits down with Stefan and Daisy, co-owners of Small Ceramics, to talk all things mini pottery wheels and the growing popularity of wheel throwing in today’s fired arts industry.They share the story behind how Small Ceramics began, what inspired them to manufacture small pottery wheels, and how studios across the country are successfully using them for beginner-friendly classes, team building events, kids programming, and even walk-in wheel throwing

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00:35:50

How to Set up a Paint Bar

Glazed Over ·

2026/05/27

On this week’s episode of the Glazed Over Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Crista Toler from Mayco Colors to talk all things paint bar! From setting up an inviting, easy-to-use glaze area to choosing the right products for your customers, this episode is packed with practical tips for pottery and PYOP studio owners. Crista shares insights from her own studio experience, discusses the importance of keeping your paint bar fresh, organized, and stocked with trending products, and breaks down the

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00:36:53

Bridging the Gap between clay studios and PYOP...

Glazed Over ·

2026/05/13

This podcast interview focused on Ben Clark from Queen City Clay discussing the integration of Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) into their 50,000 square foot clay studio. Ben explained how PYOP has been operating for about 9 years and serves as both a gateway for new customers to experience clay and a profitable business component. The studio uses three dedicated kilns for low-fire pottery painting, operates in a 1,000 square foot space with seating for 30 people, and offers seasonal items like

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00:49:14

Branding That Actually Feels Like Something

Glazed Over ·

2026/04/29

Hillary Moullilet of The Creative Retailer joins us to talk about the power of branding in paint-your-own pottery studios and how it shapes the customer experience. Drawing from her journey as a multi-studio owner, Hillary shares how consistent branding goes far beyond logos — it lives in your space, your systems, and your staff. We discuss creating welcoming first impressions, involving your team in delivering your brand, and simple strategies like mystery shopping and brand checklists to stay

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00:59:05

What Your Studio Is Actually Worth

Glazed Over ·

2026/04/15

This week on Glazed Over, we sit down with Donna Bordeaux of PYOP Accounting, who has spent more than a decade helping studio owners understand the numbers behind their businesses. Donna explains why every studio owner should think about an exit plan from day one, even if selling feels far away.We talk about what actually creates studio value — from strong bookkeeping and documented processes to reviews, social media presence, and a transferable brand. Plus, Donna shares practical advice on leases,

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00:34:09

Where to Find Resources for Studio Operations

Glazed Over ·

2026/04/01

This week on Glazed Over, we’re joined by Louise Blazucki of Kiln Creations, who shares how she doubled revenue and grew her team after buying the studio on a two-week decision.We talk about defining your studio’s “why,” building a community-driven team, setting sales goals, and creating operating systems that keep a creative business running smoothly.If you love the nuts and bolts of studio ownership, this episode is full of practical insights you can use right away.

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00:28:45

What’s Trending in 2026 (And How to Use It in Your...

Glazed Over ·

2026/03/18

In this episode, Ammie Williams helps us break down design trends spotted at the Atlanta Market gift show and what they actually mean for pottery studios. From cherries, mushrooms, and nautical themes to oversized hand-built pieces, textures, and earthy tones, we talk through what’s here to stay, what’s evolving, and how to translate trend forecasting into real clay projects.We also dive into stoneware, cone 6 glazes, mixed media techniques, and why experimentation, not perfection, is what keeps

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00:38:29

TikTok/Reel Trends with Ailene Laufer

Glazed Over ·

2026/03/04

In this episode, we talk with Ailene, founder of a four-location paint-your-own pottery studio in Israel (and one in California!), about how social media has shaped her studio’s growth. We discuss Instagram, viral moments, TikTok trends, and why she chose to delegate social media so she could focus on operations. Ailene shares how authenticity, imperfect pottery, and emotional experience—not follower count—are what truly build connection and drive customers through the door.

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00:29:27

How Studio Memberships Can Create Consistent Revenue

Glazed Over ·

2026/02/18

On this episode of Glazed Over, Vanessa sits down with Stephanie McGinnis from Ceramics in the City in Denver to dive deep into one of the most impactful revenue opportunities for PYOP studios. They talk through everything you really need to know to make memberships successful - from marketing and pricing, to managing members, creating a dedicated studio space, and setting clear expectations that keep both staff and members happy. This episode is packed with practical, real-world insight for studio

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00:52:20

How to Build a Brand with Kathy Cano-Murillo

Glazed Over ·

2026/02/04

Kathy Cano-Murillo — the brilliant mind behind Crafty Chica — joins us to share her creative journey from a 1996 passion project to a nationally recognized brand. She breaks down how one beloved ceramic platter sparked her career and why targeting multiple communities is the key to long-term growth. We dive into her strategies for branding, newsletters, trend-spotting, and protecting your creative work through trademarks. This episode is packed with heart, humor, and practical advice for any studio

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00:24:22

Meet Vanessa Steele, Glazed Over’s Newest Moderator

Glazed Over ·

2026/01/21

In this bonus episode of Glazed Over, we’re excited to officially introduce Vanessa Steele as a new moderator of the show. Vanessa shares her journey from restaurant management in Arizona to opening an art buffet in Pennsylvania, then growing into a pottery-focused business, and eventually settling in South Carolina. We talk about transitioning into a PYOP studio, teaching clay classes, and how education and community shape everything she does.She also shares what’s next, including upcoming clay

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00:48:02

Mastering ChatGPT: How Jenn Meyer Turned AI Curiosity...

Glazed Over ·

2026/01/07

This week, we’re talking with Jenn Meyer from Walls of Clay about how ChatGPT went from a curiosity to one of her most-used business tools. We dig into what ChatGPT really is, when it’s worth upgrading to the paid version, and how she uses it every day in her studio and personal life.Jenn also shares how she taught ChatGPT to sound like her brand, what makes AI content feel “off,” and why it clicks for some people but not others. Plus, her “relationship phases” analogy for ChatGPT just might be the

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00:57:36

Meet the Suppliers: DJ Toal of Bisque Imports

Glazed Over ·

2025/12/10

We’re keeping our “Meet the Suppliers” series going with a lively chat with DJ Toal of Bisque Imports. From a barn-based start to multiple warehouses and international growth, DJ shares how he built a thriving family business in a collaborative industry. We cover sourcing products worldwide, working with family, favorite bisque pieces, the magic of studio relationships, and more!

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76 results

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