Description: After 51 years in business, Pickenpaugh Pottery proves that "getting a real job" was never the answer. Discover practical strategies for art market success, sustainable pricing, and building a multi-generational creative business.
Episode Summary: Join host Kay for an inspiring conversation with Merry and MerryCline from Pickenpaugh Pottery, a 51-year-old family pottery business in Madison, Mississippi. Founded by Robert Pickenpaugh, this multi-generational studio has become the oldest business in their town. The mother-daughter duo shares hard-won wisdom about succeeding at art markets, pricing handmade work appropriately, and building genuine community connections that sustain a creative business across decades. Their story offers both practical advice and proof that artistic careers can thrive when you balance creative passion with smart business practices.
In This Episode You'll Learn:
- The key to art market success: getting people INTO your booth (and how to do it)
- How to price handmade work without undervaluing your time and craft
- Practical conversation starters for engaging customers without being pushy
- Why visiting markets before participating can transform your success
- The importance of balancing bread-and-butter pieces with higher-end artistic work
- How to handle criticism and maintain confidence in your pricing
Topics Explored:
- Art market strategies and booth setup essentials
- Customer engagement and the art of educating buyers
- Pricing psychology and value communication
- Building long-term community relationships
- Balancing artistic integrity with commercial success
- Multi-generational creative business sustainability
Connect with Pickenpaugh Pottery:
Best Quote: "When are you gonna get a real job?" - What people asked Robert 51 years ago. Pickenpaugh Pottery is now the oldest business in Madison, Mississippi!
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