Leading up to the 2020 Holiday Season, I will be introducing you to some of my favourite small business owners. They will be sharing some background about their business, advice that they have for aspiring entrepreneurs and some suggestions for thoughtful Christmas gifts.
Alix Parisotto Ceramics
Turning a hobby into a business, Alix Parisotto used her time during the pandemic wisely to dive into her new passion: pottery. She hasn’t looked back since and is releasing gorgeous ceramics as quickly as she can! Her mugs, vases and jewelry dishes are both stylish and functional.
I interviewed Alix to learn more about her business, how she got started and what she’s gifting this holiday season.
when and why did you start your business?
My business originally started as a hobby! I was working Office Administration jobs and was feeling super unfulfilled at those, coming home upset and defeated. I had always wanted to try pottery and thought it might be a good outlet to learn something new and get my mind off my days at work.
Eventually, I found myself totally obsessed! I wanted to learn as much as I could (still have a lot to learn) and practice, practice, practice. I ended up getting laid off from the administrative job that I had been doing partway through the pandemic and I just thought ‘why am I forcing myself to get another job that I don’t want?’. My husband and I agreed that I should give it the summer to see where I could take it and I haven’t looked back.
what has been the biggest milestone in your business to date?
So far the biggest milestone would be the leap into full time. I definitely didn’t have enough sales at first to truly justify doing this and I didn’t have a website yet at the time, but I had a ton of inquiries and interest in what I was doing. I had faith in it but no one else seemed to really think it had much potential. Being able to leave the doubt behind has been a huge win for me!
where do you see your business in the next five years?
In the next five years I’d love to be producing more stock monthly. I’m currently doing shop updates every couple of months but I’d like to get to a place where I always have select pieces available on my site.
I think I’d also like to have a helper and a larger working studio by then! Someone to help with attaching handles to mugs, glazing, loading kilns etc., and a place where I can teach classes and have the public join in. I’d love to eventually be able to host classes for kids who might not get the chance to try pottery because of the cost as well.
what advice would you give to a budding entrepreneur looking to take the leap?
a.) Don’t let anything or anyone hold you back. Sometimes your biggest critics are the people closest to you, all the better reason to take the chance and prove yourself right.
b.) Be ready to pivot your ideas, go with the trends and be cognizant of what people are reacting to. Don’t get too stuck in your ways.
c.) Get a good accountant!
what is something that you think is a common misconception about owning a small business?
I don’t really know what I thought entrepreneurship would be like because I didn’t think I’d ever be doing this, but I have a newfound respect for business owners!
I think my most common misconception before owning my own business was the hours and time spent. I hadn’t really given weekends off any extra thought because I was spoiled having them for so many years. I’m learning now that your work hours are 24/7 if you let it happen because it’s impossible to turn your brain off. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to find that balance and schedule more and more further down the road.
what is one personal goal that you have right now?
One of my personal goals right now is to be able to plan my designs ahead of time! I want to have everything planned out about a year in advance including colour-ways, shapes and collection pieces. I want to create a blueprint for my website and social media accounts as well as the pottery itself instead of winging it!
what is your favourite alix parisotto ceramics piece to gift?
My absolute favourite items to gift right now are the Mod Mugs! I’ve made them so they stack together in your cupboard or on open shelving. My next release will have the Natural White and the new Leopard version! I like to mix and match them for an eclectic vibe.
If you want to give the gift of beautiful, handmade ceramics this holiday season, shop Alix Parisotto Ceramics – she has new product in the shop today (November 5th)!
Stay tuned for more Small Business Spotlights to come! And if you are curious about my small business, you can check out my Out of Office series here.
