Stop People-Pleasing: Utah Pottery Classes for Self-Worth

If you're tired of putting everyone else first, pottery can help you reconnect with your own wants, boundaries, and value—one creation at a time.

Written and overseen by Dan Pearce, founder of The Clay Hole—Utah’s largest pottery studio and a professional potter with nearly 3 million social media followers.

People-pleasers often pride themselves on kindness, reliability, and generosity. But if you’re constantly drained, anxious, or unsure who you are without someone else’s approval, it may be time for a reset. Pottery creates a safe, creative way to start prioritizing yourself—without guilt.

At The Clay Hole in Draper, Utah, many of our members are recovering people-pleasers who have spent years saying “yes” to things they didn’t want. Through weekly pottery classes, they’re learning to make space for themselves. To say “no” without shame. To reclaim the power of their own hands.

Why Pottery Helps People-Pleasers Heal

• Clay teaches you to listen inward. You begin to prioritize your ideas, not just others' approval.
• You get to make "mistakes." Pottery removes the fear of failure and replaces it with curiosity.
• Creative space = personal space. The studio becomes a place where no one needs anything from you—except your own imagination.
• You learn self-worth through your work. There’s power in making something beautiful with your hands that exists simply because you wanted it to.

Psychology experts link people-pleasing to deep fears of rejection, abandonment, or conflict. Breaking the cycle often requires new habits—and creative hobbies can help rewire those behaviors by reinforcing inner validation.

How The Clay Hole Helps You Reclaim Yourself

Our studio isn’t about quick fixes or one-night events. It’s about weekly creative time that’s yours and yours alone. Membership at The Clay Hole means showing up for yourself—over and over again. No apologies. No need to perform.

• We’re located in Draper—central to both Salt Lake County and Utah Valley
• You’ll have access to bonus pottery days, slab rollers, molds, extruders, and more
• Choose from hand-building or wheel, with 4 instructors at every class
• Thousands of tools, 500+ glazes, and a welcoming neurodivergent-friendly environment
• Cozy snack bar, coffee, hot cocoa, and chill areas to decompress

"Every time I show up to class, I feel like I matter again. It’s the only place I don’t feel like I owe anyone anything." – Jenn T., Member

Conclusion

You don’t have to abandon your kindness—but you do deserve to exist outside of other people’s expectations. Pottery is your permission slip to be a little messy, a little selfish, and totally human. Come see what it feels like to create something just for you.

See Membership Options & Prices