Pottery Studio with Classes and Open Studio Time

Local adults and families who want a regular creative activity, plus members who want access to wheels and a kiln.

Course fees, monthly memberships, one-off date night and group sessions, and charges for clay, glazes and firing.

• Strong throwing and hand-building skills
• Teaching all ages and abilities
• Scheduling and managing bookings
• Basic bookkeeping and marketing

• Check zoning and certificate of occupancy requirements with your city or county before signing a lease
• Kiln installation may need an electrician, ventilation and fire code approval, so check with your local fire marshal
• General liability insurance, plus workers' compensation if you hire instructors as employees
• Check how your state treats instructors as contractors versus employees
• Lease costs are fixed, so build in a cushion for slow months

Startup costs are typically around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the unit, wheels, kiln and installation. Lease costs are fixed, so build in a cushion for slow months when planning your budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on class numbers, memberships and how many hours you open. The estimate assumes at least about 25 hours a week of your time.

Check zoning and certificate of occupancy requirements with your city or county before signing a lease. Kiln installation may need an electrician, ventilation and fire code approval, so check with your local fire marshal, and review insurance needs.