Feeling so much of what you shared. 2025 was truly the bleakest year as a small business owner that I’ve seen in my 25 years. Worse than the recession and covid combined. And I share your approach, embracing rest and introspection over chasing sales and devaluing your work. Here’s to hoping the ship rights itself in 2026.
Knowing you're not alone is like a light in the dark. I've been surprised with how much of a comfort it's been to talk with other small business owners about what's happening right now. Especially when we're being told how amazing (eye roll of a thousand eye rolls) the economy is. Like, it doesn't lesson the suckage but knowing we're all in the same boat is the reminder we need now that WE HAVE BOATS! WE CAN PADDLE! We can share resources and creative ideas and support one another through this. And I'm damned determined to get through this. <3
So true. Thanks for sharing Nicole. I know I'm not the only one and that truly brings comfort on difficult days. It's hard, but we are certainly not alone.
I love your work, and love your Substack. Whenever I see a new post you have written, its the first thing I want to read. As someone else said, your transparency and thoughtfulness are so refreshing and helpful. Thank you so much for writing and making- and happy New Year :)
Thanks Roshni! I enjoy being an open book about the biz stuff, even if it's not always good news. Thanks for sharing too, there's comfort in knowing we are not alone.
Here is what I have noticed with the artists “fans”. They are not are tech savvy and when they go to purchase something- the computer system doesn’t allow the purchase. The need for a code. That code doesn’t work. Blah blah blah. I highly recommend that artist test their buying process to ensure it works. Maybe ask another person to keep testing the system.
I look forward to your transparent review posts so much- they’re so thoughtful, relatable and encouraging to us fellow artists going through the inevitable highs and lows. Here’s to a 2026 with more highs than lows!
I really enjoy / appreciate this newsletter. I hope you don't call it quits, but I can see how it takes a lot of time and thought to put out your thoughts and reflect. It is work. Grateful for it because it helps me see the world in a different way, from an artist's perspective. This is something helpful for me as I try to figure out my own practice.
Thank you for sharing this! I love your art. Much to ponder here. I relate to the “putting pressure on myself”. I’m 70 now, but remember my 29th birthday, where I was panicked and depressed—-because I thought I had ONE more year to have my life “all figured out” by the time I was 30…and I didn’t think I could do that. So much self-pressure and critique—-a lot of misspent energy and time.
I love your frankness, insight and your art immensely. I think people are really struggling with having “too much stuff “ I think the humans that are grappling with this realization are maybe also the ones that would love and invest in pottery and art and beautiful things. I know this likely sounds like a leap, ha, but it’s a thought. Money is tight and I believe most of us are grappling with our purpose in the world, especially now. Feels that way.
Strangely, I had a bad year (like I do most years) until the very last few weeks. Then, out of nowhere I sold 3 art pieces. First time in a few years! But, every creative I talk to is having a 2025 more like you than like me, in this case. Hang in there for a few more days, then you and I can start over in 2026. I wish you all the best. Until then, keep creating.
I enjoy the work you do and look forward to seeing the your future clayfulness.
Feeling so much of what you shared. 2025 was truly the bleakest year as a small business owner that I’ve seen in my 25 years. Worse than the recession and covid combined. And I share your approach, embracing rest and introspection over chasing sales and devaluing your work. Here’s to hoping the ship rights itself in 2026.
The last couple of years have really sucked. You aren't the only one. Small consolation, I'm sure.
Knowing you're not alone is like a light in the dark. I've been surprised with how much of a comfort it's been to talk with other small business owners about what's happening right now. Especially when we're being told how amazing (eye roll of a thousand eye rolls) the economy is. Like, it doesn't lesson the suckage but knowing we're all in the same boat is the reminder we need now that WE HAVE BOATS! WE CAN PADDLE! We can share resources and creative ideas and support one another through this. And I'm damned determined to get through this. <3
So true. Thanks for sharing Nicole. I know I'm not the only one and that truly brings comfort on difficult days. It's hard, but we are certainly not alone.
Boats are extremely important!! Let's keep paddling . . .
I love your work, and love your Substack. Whenever I see a new post you have written, its the first thing I want to read. As someone else said, your transparency and thoughtfulness are so refreshing and helpful. Thank you so much for writing and making- and happy New Year :)
Thank you! Appreciate it!
Thank you again for all your honesty and clarity about this life. I sold less this year too. Last year had been slower, this year was worse.
And I LOVE reading your substack!!
Thanks Roshni! I enjoy being an open book about the biz stuff, even if it's not always good news. Thanks for sharing too, there's comfort in knowing we are not alone.
Here is what I have noticed with the artists “fans”. They are not are tech savvy and when they go to purchase something- the computer system doesn’t allow the purchase. The need for a code. That code doesn’t work. Blah blah blah. I highly recommend that artist test their buying process to ensure it works. Maybe ask another person to keep testing the system.
I look forward to your transparent review posts so much- they’re so thoughtful, relatable and encouraging to us fellow artists going through the inevitable highs and lows. Here’s to a 2026 with more highs than lows!
Thank you Carly! Cheers to more creativity, openness and sharing in 2026!
I really enjoy / appreciate this newsletter. I hope you don't call it quits, but I can see how it takes a lot of time and thought to put out your thoughts and reflect. It is work. Grateful for it because it helps me see the world in a different way, from an artist's perspective. This is something helpful for me as I try to figure out my own practice.
Keep going, you are a great writer and I appreciate your newsletter so much!
Wishing you and everyone a better 2026!
Thank you Hanna! Cheers to another year!
Thank you for sharing this! I love your art. Much to ponder here. I relate to the “putting pressure on myself”. I’m 70 now, but remember my 29th birthday, where I was panicked and depressed—-because I thought I had ONE more year to have my life “all figured out” by the time I was 30…and I didn’t think I could do that. So much self-pressure and critique—-a lot of misspent energy and time.
Thank you Betsy! Appreciate you sharing this. It's so true, the pressures we put on ourselves can be such wasted time and energy.
I love your frankness, insight and your art immensely. I think people are really struggling with having “too much stuff “ I think the humans that are grappling with this realization are maybe also the ones that would love and invest in pottery and art and beautiful things. I know this likely sounds like a leap, ha, but it’s a thought. Money is tight and I believe most of us are grappling with our purpose in the world, especially now. Feels that way.
Strangely, I had a bad year (like I do most years) until the very last few weeks. Then, out of nowhere I sold 3 art pieces. First time in a few years! But, every creative I talk to is having a 2025 more like you than like me, in this case. Hang in there for a few more days, then you and I can start over in 2026. I wish you all the best. Until then, keep creating.
Thank you James for sharing! Cheers to a 2026 with more highs than lows.