In this episode of Mugs & Marketing, we're sharing Alisha's entrepreneurial journey and how she went from elementary art teacher to full-time pottery artist.
What started as a degree in animation eventually led to a career in education, a free kiln, a classroom full of curious students, and an unexpected love for clay.
Alisha shares the twists and turns that led her to leave teaching, start selling pottery, join art markets, and build a handmade business from her backyard studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something new, or if your creative path has taken a few unexpected turns, this episode is for you.
In This Episode
- Growing up as the "artsy twin"
- Attending art school for animation
- Why animation wasn't the right career fit
- Going back to school for art education
- Teaching high school and elementary art
- Learning pottery alongside her students
- The free kiln that changed everything
- Leaving a stable teaching career
- Starting a pottery business from scratch
- Selling at art markets and online
- Finding community as a creative entrepreneur
Favorite Takeaway
"You don't have to start doing the thing you're known for when you're five years old."
One of the biggest themes of this episode is that creative careers are rarely linear. Sometimes your future business comes from an unexpected hobby, opportunity, or curiosity that appears much later in life.
Mentioned in This Episode
Coming Up Next
Now that you've heard both of our stories, we're moving into more specific creative business topics, including schedules, productivity, multiple income streams, marketing, and the realities of running a business as a creative entrepreneur.
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a fellow artist, maker, or creative business owner.
