In this episode we sit down with Stephen and Anna, the founders of Merritt Ceramics, to uncover how they turned a small pottery corner in an Oakland warehouse into a thriving 6,000 sq ft creative community. From humble beginnings funded by restaurant tips to hosting Merritt Fest and managing over a hundred members, their journey is a masterclass in blending art, grit, and entrepreneurship.They share how free community nights evolved into full courses and memberships, the lessons learned from opening (and later closing) a supply shop, and what it really takes to keep a creative business alive post-COVID.“It’s dirty and messy... there’s a lot of business-y stuff that we knew nothing about — but we learned by doing.”Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or community builder, this episode is packed with honest insights on growth, resilience, and purpose-driven work.Be sure to stick around until the end to hear how Stephen and Anna rebuilt their business after COVID, what they’d do differently today, and the one piece of advice they give every aspiring studio owner.

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