The Maker's Playbook

Send us a textWe're bombarded with messages telling us we're missing some secret key to business success—especially at the start of a new year—but here's the truth: There's nothing fundamentally new about running a successful business, no matter what year it is. What if the real problem isn't that you're lacking some proprietary system or special knowledge, but that you've been convinced you need to keep searching for answers instead of trusting what you already know? The basics of business haven't changed in decades: tell people your work exists, get better at reaching the right people, and keep showing up consistently—and while educational resources can help, the courses promising to 3x your sales or unlock secret formulas are preying on your imposter syndrome rather than addressing the real work of building genuine connections with your customers. Instead of chasing the next shiny solution that promises to make everything easier, what if you gave yourself permission to trust that the sustainable, incremental progress you're already making—even when it feels slow or uncomfortable—is exactly what building a real creative business actually looks like?I'm putting together a new free resource to help you trust yourself. To be the first to receive it, sign up for our email newsletter here: https://www.makersplaybook.com/newsletterLove this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a textFor many makers, opportunities to focus solely on creative exploration—without the pressure to produce work for sale or prove our worth through finished pieces—feel impossibly rare or reserved for those along a traditional academic path. When you discovered your craft later in life, already juggling mortgages and responsibilities you can't simply walk away from, where do you turn for intentional study and community that actually fits your reality? Craft schools exist outside traditional academia, offering experiences from weekend workshops to multi-week residencies that welcome makers at every stage—and in celebration of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts' 75th anniversary, Perry Price shares what makes these singular learning experiences so transformative.In this episode: Perry Price  @haystack_schoolLove this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a textBuilding a team is one thing—but how do you actually run a production ceramics studio day-to-day without losing the handmade quality that makes your work special?In this second part of my conversation with Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics, we dig into the operational realities of running an eight-person studio. Sarah breaks down weekly production rhythms, why cross-training her team across multiple tasks creates both flexibility and ownership, and the strategic decision to invest in a jigger jolly. We explore her approach to balancing 80% direct-to-consumer sales with custom restaurant orders, the importance of upfront honesty about lead times and capabilities, and why giving away $500 worth of samples can be a smart long-term investment. Sarah also shares the story of 2023's financial crisis—when stagnant sales forced her to consider layoffs—and the difficult decision to invest $10,000 in rebranding and ads when money was tightest. Her transparency about hiring for character over ceramic skills, the real value of building a mailing list, and why Instagram consistency isn't actually her secret to success offers practical permission for makers navigating their own growth. Whether you're trying to figure out your own production systems or simply curious what sustainable scaling actually looks like, this conversation provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the real work of building a craft-based business.Looking for support in making your own long-game decisions? Click here to discover the amazing group of makers inside of The Community and learn about the additional perks of membership. In this episode: Sarah Wolf @wolfceramicsFull Show Notes & Resources can be found at makersplaybook.com/podcastLove this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a textWhat if you could grow your business and build a team without becoming a factory—creating a business that values craft, flexibility, and the humans behind the work?In this conversation, Sarah Wolf of Wolf Ceramics shares her journey from studying geochemistry to building an eight-person ceramics studio in Hood River, Oregon. She opens up about the early years working from her parents' basement, the vulnerable decision to hire her first team members, and how the pandemic unexpectedly accelerated her growth. Sarah reveals the real financial details behind major business moves—from signing her first commercial lease to buying a house that needed a mortgage workaround—and why learning to set clear boundaries actually created more freedom for everyone on her team. Whether you're considering your first hire or wondering if sustainable growth is even possible in ceramics, Sarah's story offers both permission and practical wisdom for building a business that works for your life.In this episode: Sarah Wolf @wolfceramicsFull Show Notes & Resources can be found at makersplaybook.com/podcastLove this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com

Send us a textRight now, for potters and artists around the world the holiday season is crazy busy - markets, commissions, shop updates, custom orders all piling up at once. But are you choosing what's right for you, or just reacting to everything coming at you?  In this episode, we explore the crucial difference between making intentional decisions based on your unique goals versus automatically saying yes because you're afraid to miss out.Rebecca shares her own journey from reactive decision-making (saying yes to every December opportunity out of fear) to choosing what actually serves her business and life. Learn how to pause before answering that market invitation or commission request, and discover the key questions to ask yourself: Do I need to? Am I doing this from fear or clarity? What does success look like for ME this season?This conversation is especially timely as we enter Firing Season: that November/December period when makers are literally firing kilns constantly and figuratively firing on all cylinders. The challenge isn't just about working less; it's about knowing WHY you're working hard and safeguarding energy for what matters most. So where will you be when New Year's Eve rolls around—fired up from all you accomplished, or burned out from reacting?For support in making the best decisions for yourself, uniquely, consider joining us inside of The Community this Firing Season. Click here to join.Love this podcast? Support an episode! Click here to learn more. Follow The Maker's Playbook on Instagram @themakersplaybookHave questions about the show or want to say Hi? Email us at: podcast (at) makers-playbook (dot) com