Home studio ceramics maker

Shoppers at craft fairs and online, local gift shops and cafes, and people buying handmade gifts or custom sets.

Selling finished pieces at set prices through your own online shop, craft markets and wholesale to a few local stores, plus occasional custom orders.

• Wheel throwing or hand-building
• Glazing and firing know-how
• Product photography and basic online selling

• Home occupation permit, zoning, and HOA or lease rules for running a studio at home
• Kiln safety: ventilation, fire clearance and what your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers
• Clay and glaze dust: use proper protection and check that glazes are food-safe for tableware
• General liability and product liability insurance, and sales tax registration with your state for direct sales

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $8,000, depending on whether you buy a kiln and wheel or hand-building tools, plus clay, glazes and safety gear. These are estimates, so price your own equipment list.

Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,500, depending on how much you make, your pricing and where you sell. This is revenue before materials, firing and selling costs, and it will vary from month to month.

Check home occupation permits, zoning and HOA or lease rules. Review kiln safety, including ventilation, fire clearance and what your insurance covers. Use protection against clay and glaze dust, confirm glazes are food-safe, and check liability insurance and sales tax registration.