As long as we’re discussing tough dynamics of running a massive pottery studio with hundreds of members… Let’s talk about the number one MOST difficult, false expectation people have when they join The Clay Hole.

First let me say, that when I first sat down to write a mind map for my dream studio, the first word I wrote was, “community.”

It wasn’t “pottery,”

It wasn’t “money.”

It was “community.”

Branching from that one word, literally every part of this business was formed. And I’ve never lost sight of that. 

It has been the backbone of every part of this new business. 

I’ve talked about it. That’s my main marketing point. And… A lot of people sign-up, hoping to come find that special community I talk so much about.

Then they get here.

And it’s a little awkward. 

And it’s hard to immediately fit into an established group.

And it can maybe feel a bit like they’re on the outside looking in?

“That’s cool,” they tell themselves. “It’s my first day. Next week will be easier.”

And the next week it’s maybe a smidge easier. But it’s still kind of awkward being the new kid in class. 

And it’s at this point that a lot of our members just kind of mentally give up, plan to finish out the month, stop trying to talk to anyone, and cancel their memberships.

They never get to experience the very thing they were hoping to come find because…

It wasn’t easy.

And it wasn’t automatic.

But here’s the cold, hard, truth. I don’t care how good a community is or how nice and inclusive the people are in it…

Becoming a part of a community takes TIME.

Finding real friends within a community takes TIME.

Reality is, it could take several months to really start finding an established place within the group here. 

If you’re an extrovert and jump into conversation it might take a little less. If you’re super shy it might take a little more.

But I promise you, if you give it enough time, you’ll start finding your people. The ones who vibe with you and your energy.

But it’s not just time, either.

It takes effort on your part. 

If you sit quietly and don’t say a word to anyone, month after month, it’s going to be very hard to find your people.

But if you just find five seconds of courage to start, and tell the person next to you something you like about what they’re working on, and you do that every single week…

I promise you you’ll find your people. 

Time. And a little bit of effort. That’s all it takes.

We’ve lost so many people who wanted the end prize but wouldn’t give it time or effort.

And it makes me sad because so many of those people seemed so damn cool.

I wanted them here. They felt like my people.

But sadly, unless they come back (which I hope you all do!), I probably won’t ever get to know.

So, if you’re in Utah, and you’re willing to give it some good time and at least a little effort, come join us at The Clay Hole! 

Argh, we have a lot of fun around here!