Paint Your Own Pottery Studio
Connie Speer - The Pottery Consultant
Testimonials for American Ceramic Supply Co.

     When I decided I wanted to become a paint your own pottery studio owner, I  did a lot of research.  I had already fallen in love with the concept as a customer, so I just needed to figure out what was involved, how other studio owners got started, and what it would take for me to get up and running.  I met with, or spoke with quite a few studio owners, visited studios, and asked a lot of questions.  I took a couple of classes held by the Small Business Administration, used their counseling services and got some help putting my plans  in place.  I even got a loan and started looking for a space for my new business. 
     And then I met Connie, with American Ceramics.  I had done so much of my "homework" on my own, and had a  pretty good grip on how to get started, however, I soon learned that this consulting package was the clincher in my plan.  After considering cost vs. value of a consultant, I decided to go forward with it, and everything took off. 
     So many times, potential studio owners will ask me what I would do differently.  I have to say, that of course I've made mistakes, but almost every one has brought with it a lesson and a more thorough understanding that I would not trade for the world.  If I had to do it all over again, I would definitely work with American to get me started BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ELSE. Even though I had done my own research, there was no way for me to know all the nuances of starting and running this type of business until I found myself neck deep in it.  Connie was there to let me know a lot of those things in advance, and help me get through them and prepare for the next  ones.  She has been there for me with such support and encouragement.  She brings such value to the table, having worked in the industry for so long and worked with so many studios.  It's not just about pep talks, either!  She  equips her customers right up front with marketing plans, timelines, budget and forecasting, etc.  She is also prepared and willing to help with analysis of the business and offers suggestions and plans of attack to get things on track if you need it. 
      I still call Connie with questions.  I know she is always willing to help me and make sure my problem is solved or that I'm comfortable enough to move forward.  I'm not paying for that at this point, but I know my best interest continues to be important to her.  When I have a new idea to kick around, or have some weird thing come out of the kiln, I know I can call Connie and she'll be available for me.   Just knowing there's someone there for me is priceless. 
Julie Jones – Art's Afire

     Finding Connie Speer to assist me in opening my paint your own pottery studio has truly been a Godsend!  Connie's experience, thoroughness, and one-step-at-a-time guidance is unparalleled in the industry, and have proven to be an invaluable asset in this exciting journey.  She has answered every question, capably addressed every issue that's sprung up along the way, and has helped pave a smooth path to my new studio. Connie, thank you for helping my pottery dreams come true ...
Karen Rifai
ARTrageous! Studio

     I decided to open a paint your own pottery studio nearly nine years ago and fortunately met Connie at my first convention in Dallas. In fact, it was the most valuable resource I found. Starting a new business is difficult enough. To have someone guide you through the ordering and set up of products, colors and equipment is so significant. I believe Connie was one of the first to develop consulting and customized 'Start-up packages' and most importantly they come with Connie's personal service and unlimited advice and enthusiasm. I have called Connie throughout the years with questions on products and advice in regards to my business and am able to reach her promptly and I am always well received, even if it is not financially beneficial to her. Connie along with her mom Pat (the other half of this great business) are always fun & familiar faces at convention. American Ceramics, one of the founding members and original suppliers for CCSA members, are still going strong for a reason!
Sincerely, Nancy King
That Pottery Place

     I am getting ready to celebrate our 5th year in business. Connie was a major force in the success of my business. She has always been accessible to our business, and even five years later I can call her for advice. Connie can help from site selection and working with landlords to electricians. Her business and marketing advice is sound, and she has years of experience in the ceramic industry. I recommend her highly!
Sandi Kirkwood
Clay Casa

     I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much I appreciate all of your help.  You have become an invaluable resource for my business and me.  You are always just a quick phone call or email away when I have technical questions or business ideas, and your advice is always right on.   You possess such a vast knowledge of the ceramics industry and the business world that I know I can always count on your expertise when I need it.  I appreciate your openness, honesty and straightforward answers to my many questions.
The one thing that probably impresses me the most about you and your company is the way that you answer my questions on an individual basis.  You always take the time to find out exactly what my concerns are before offering  your advice.  I always know that you are tailoring your advice and recommendations to what my needs are at the time.  It is so nice to know that I have you in my corner.
Finally, I can't say enough about how impressed I am with  the speed in which your company processes and ships my orders.  I would recommend American to anyone who operates a paint your own pottery  studio or a home-based ceramics business.  I can honestly say that my business has definitely changed for the better since I found your company.
Thank you again for all of your help.  I feel very lucky to have found you.
Sincerely,
Sara Smith
Mudpuddle Designs

     When I opened my studio 4 years ago, I hired Connie as a consultant.  The information she provided me with was priceless.  Although I had business experience, I had never glazed a piece of ceramic, nor worked with a kiln.   Quite frankly, I did not even know the difference between greenware and bisque.  Connie guided me step by step on how to glaze and stilt a piece and then how to fire a kiln.  She guided me in the right direction as where to order  quality bisque and supplies, and then she proceeded to show me how to market the bisque in my studio.  When I think back to my opening costs, there are two things that I refer to as my "best investments," one is my pair of Paragon Dragon Kilns and the other is Connie Speer. 
Karin Haack,
Artsy Fartsy Studio, LLC

     I couldn't imagine not having American's help when I opened my studio.  I had no idea about the contemporary studio industry when I met Connie.  She taught me everything from start to finish from what bisque & supplies to order, to glazing and firing the kiln.  It is wonderful to know that  after all these years she is just a phone call away if I have any questions or need anything.  In April '05 we will be open six years, without her amazing customer service and knowledge of the industry there is no doubt in my mind that we wouldn't be here today. YOU'RE THE BEST CONNIE!!!
Tabitha Kent
EXPRESSIONS

     I want to thank you for all of your help with opening our paint your own pottery studio.  We  are so thankful that we found you! On a professional level, your advice and input has been immeasurable.  One of the greatest ways it has been helpful was with the business plan.  The banks were very impressed with the thoroughness  of our business plan and it has been an excellent tool to look back on.  Another tool that has been immeasurable is the binder that you put together.  I read it from front to back and continue to go back and pull new ideas from it  all of the time! On a personal level, it has been comforting to be able to glean from your wisdom in this profession.  I do not feel pressured to do as you suggest, but am able to use your input and experience to make better  educated decisions.  That has been invaluable to me.  Thank you for all of your support. Truly,
Cindy Baxter
Bisque Bistro

     Three  years ago when the thought of opening a paint your own pottery studio was planted, I began to gather information. One afternoon, I found myself speaking to a woman who knew it all. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a wonderful relationship. American Ceramic Supply and Connie Speer, in particular, helped me create a business that I am proud of and they have continued to offer support and advice when I need it. I continue to use them as my only source for color, accessories, and supplies. My orders are filled quickly and if there is any problem, I am informed as soon as possible. Everyone from Pat, Connie, Barbara, and Chase has made this a relationship I wish to continue. I would recommend American Ceramic Supply in a heartbeat.
Virginia MacAdam
All Fired Up

     Connie Speer with American Ceramic Supply Company helped me begin my journey of opening a paint your own pottery studio in mid 2004.  With her tremendous help and expertise, I believe she probably saved me at least 6 months worth of headache, hair-pulling and mind-boggling research.  From formulating the business plan to the detailed start-up bisque orders, paint orders and marketing plan, she was a tremendous wealth of information.  She also provided the needed support when studio and customer issues arose that I was not sure how to handle.  Her consulting services are money well spent!
Lisa DeLosh
Earth Paint and Fire

     I was visiting an awesome paint your own pottery store in Bar Harbor, Maine when I fell in love with the whole idea of painting your own.  I spent an hour painting and about two hours getting to know the owner, Nina, in hopes she would divulge enough information that I too could someday have a studio like hers.  She told me to call Connie Speer at American Ceramic Supply Co, that was who had helped her open.
I was so excited I couldn't sleep.  It finally came to getting things started. I called Connie and informed her I wanted to be open by May.  Connie said we could do it and away we went.  She worked around the clock for me.  From the business plan to opening my doors, I could not have done it without her.  (I actually thought I  could at first.) 
     Connie does not beat around the bush.  She is direct and knows her business.  She is energetic and great at keeping you on your toes.  She is fun to work with, but 100% professional.   
It is my opinion that she does not get nearly what she is worth. Thanks for everything Connie.
Jackie Parks
Pottery Studio

      Connie Speer at American Ceramics Supply is awesome. When I first decided to open a paint your own pottery studio, I didn't know where to begin. Then I met Connie. She made the whole process so smooth and easy that I was able to do it in only three months! She's very knowledgeable, helpful and flexible with her schedule. And even after I opened my studio, she continued to check on me and help out with any issues or  concerns. I can't imagine how I would have successfully opened a studio without her.
Robin Dober
Hands On Art Studio

     My partner and I decided to open up a Paint Your Own Pottery studio and we were basically clueless on where and when to begin.  We came across the American Ceramics website and decided to check out their credentials by contacting other Contemporary Ceramic Studios already in business across the country.  We found that the positive feedback these studios had to give us about American Ceramics was very impressive.  We talked with them extensively and then decided to hire Connie Speer to help pave the road as we began our journey down the path of opening up "Spirit of Clay".  Connie was there for us every step of the way. We can't imagine having done it without her. We are soon to be approaching one year in business and American Ceramics is a staple in our lives, always just a phone call away, whether it be for a ceramic problem, ordering of product or a friendly voice for much needed support when a studio crisis comes up.  Thank You, Connie and American Ceramics, it is a pleasure doing business with you!!
Sincerely,
Kathy Hess & Kelly Strah
Owners of Spirit of Clay

    What really separates American from other suppliers in this industry is the depth of their knowledge and the resulting commitment to their customers.  The excellent service American provides is the result of their understanding what their customers are dealing with, and the fact that they care so much.  American is a supporter of my business, not merely another supplier.
Kim Kelley
Owner, A Bit of My Art

     When I was thinking about opening my paint your own pottery studio, I had been working at other studio for some time and thought I knew what I was doing. I went into American Ceramic Supply to look around at what they had to offer and the staff introduced me to Connie. After talking with Connie I realized I knew nothing about owning paint your own pottery studio.  I hired American Ceramic Supply at that time and it has been the best thing I've done in my life. Connie has been there to walk me through everything, and I do mean everything. I have been open for a couple of months and Connie still calls me on a weekly basic to see how I'm doing, how the marketing is going and to see if I need anything. If you don't hire American Ceramic Supply then I wish you all the luck in the world simply because you passed on the best.
Thank you, thank you, and thank you!!!
Vonda Farley
Ceramic Fun

     We contacted American Ceramics when we first thought about opening an arts and crafts studio. Knowing little about the contemporary ceramics industry, we found Connie to be enormously helpful in every aspect of developing our business. She provided a business plan and helped us fill in the details. She worked with us to develop a startup  budget and cash flow projections. She provided tremendous amounts of information from how to market the business to what kinds of brushes to buy to how to load and fire the kilns, and everything in between. Despite the fact that we  are in Austin and American Ceramics is in Fort Worth, we had an extremely smooth working relationship. We established regular conference calls and communicated by e-mail. We never felt out of touch, and whenever we had a question,  no matter how minor, Connie was extremely prompt in answering it. Nearly a year later, Connie still checks in with us, forwards interesting industry information, and responds to our questions promptly. We have realized a return on  our consulting investment and then some. We would recommend American Ceramics and its consulting services without hesitation.
Cynthia Burrow
The Work*shop

     Connie Speer at American Ceramics was a lifesaver for me when I decided to open a paint your own pottery/contemporary studio in Ormond Beach, Florida. From the creation of my business plan to where to put the sink to what kind and how many brushes to buy, every bit of her guidance and advice was right on the money. Connie's marketing strategies are very effective and when I use them I can see an increase in sales. Connie was up front right from the very beginning about how much commitment and work this business requires, and she was right about that too. You will put a great deal of energy into getting your business up and running. Having the expertise and ongoing support of Connie to rely on and knowing exactly what products and materials you will need to be successful are half the battle. Being trained on the phone earns you bragging rights later when everyone asks how you learned all this stuff. Everyone will think you are incredibly smart and brave, and guess what? If you pull it off and are successful, you ARE incredibly smart and brave! Thanks Connie! You have helped make us here at Mud Monkey Pottery and Art Studio the IT place to be in Ormond Beach!

     By the end of my first conversation with Connie Speer, I knew I had made the most important business decision regarding opening a new studio. The information she provided during the next couple of months was everything I needed to help successfully open the studio on schedule.  From day one she was my guardian angel.  Helping with my business plan, giving advice on dealing with the banks, negotiating the lease, design ideas for my studio space, finding kilns, paints, brushes, bisque, and all the many other supplies I would need.  Knowing she will always be there for me whenever I have a question puts this first time business owner's mind at ease. Thank you for all of your help and continued support. I could not have done it without you!!!
Laurie Schemenauer
Lake Breeze Pottery Studio

     Since the beginning of Art Amour in January 2002, Connie Speer, has been my consultant.  She is extremely thorough and very  knowledgeable.  Every time I have something crazy happen in my studio (dealing with the technical part of pottery or the challenges of customers) Connie is the first person I contact for valuable advice.  It is comforting to know that all I have to do is send out an email or pick up the phone and she is right there to assist me. Thank you Connie!
Carrie Klein Tidwell
Art Amour

     My situation was unique because I didn't start a new studio but bought an existing business. Connie was a lifesaver in helping me with how to organize my thoughts, marketing and of course, the day to day of glazing and firing.  She was also extremely valuable when I decided to move my studio to a new location.  Her experience with leases, appropriate locales and the industry as a whole is unmatched!  Now it's four years later and even though I'm an established studio, I can still call Connie with any issues or even just to bounce ideas off of her.  Thanks, Connie!
Amarylis Barnett
Painted By You

     I couldn't have started my business without the expertise of Connie Speer. It was the best investment I've ever made and 6 years later I still consider Connie  a good friend and confidant.  Her personal knowledge of the ceramic industry especially in the contemporary field is the best in the business as far as I'm concerned.  She thinks of all the things you wouldn't even consider.  The continued success of my business has a lot to do with the foundation I started with Connie's guidance.  I don't think I'd be where I am today without her.  She was my safety net when I needed it the most.  You can't get that kind of help by just reading a book.  She's already done the research for you.  If I had to do it over again I'd hire Connie in an instant.  She's the best!
Wendy Ives
Artful Designs

     If you are considering opening a Contemporary Ceramics Studio we would highly recommend that you avail yourself of the services of Connie Speer. We hired Connie to help us with starting up our studio in March 2005, and she has been and continues to be a godsend. She is knowledgeable, gives great advice and is always available to answer questions. We continue to work with Connie and consider her a part of our family and our business. If you hire Connie you will not regret it. She is worth every penny and more.
Ian & Gael Parkinson
A2Z Arts LLC

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