Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Jenkins.
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I definitely didn’t take the straightest path to owning a pottery and clay teaching studio! A lot of people are surprised to learn that I’m originally (and still am) a jeweler. When Centered Earth first started out in 2014, I collaborated with the original owner to teach silver jewelry classes through my other business, Narrow House Jewelry. In 2021, Centered Earth’s founder was considering closing the studio due to some life changes, and I didn’t want to see our community lose such a special place.
My husband James and I met in art school at Edinboro University (now PennWest Edinboro), and we knew that together we could take on the challenge of keeping this local gem running. We purchased Centered Earth and worked on building its programs back up to what they had been pre-COVID. Now, five years later, we’ve doubled the studio’s space, added several part-time studio assistants, expanded our summer camp and youth art programs, and added even more adult classes. This all provides a source of additional income for more than a dozen local artists and educators who partner with us to offer classes in clay, fused glass and stained glass, painting, basket weaving, jewelry, and more.
I’ve always had a passion for art and teaching, but never expected that my years of odd jobs, admin work for other small businesses, continued education, and running a one-woman microbusiness would lead up to owning a brick-and-mortar pottery studio. As the “Artist in Charge,” I couldn’t be prouder of our growing business and talented team.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think with any business, we tend to think that if it’s successful, then it always was or always will be. We don’t see the missteps and failures that it took to get there. And this is especially true with any creative business. It can be hard as an artist to find your focus, to communicate that effectively to the public, and to reach enough people to get a foothold as a new business.
Then once you’re established, there are always new challenges as the business grows and evolves. I think one of the hardest things for creative business owners is figuring out how to continue making our own work while juggling the demands of running and marketing a business. I always say that no one in art school told me I’d spend my day sitting at the computer, and I know that’s a common challenge for other artists.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a teaching studio, Centered Earth is distinct from a lot of other creative spaces and even from other art learning environments. Our guests usually aren’t accomplished artists, they’re not being graded, and they’re not just provided with tools and supplies and expected to roll with it on their own. We believe that everyone, no matter their age, background, or level of experience, is born to create. Our job is to make it approachable and accessible, and perhaps most importantly, to give them permission to make something special. When people have a welcoming space and supportive help, it really empowers them to develop their skills and try new things.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I’ve always been a very hard worker and tried to stay open to new opportunities, and that has been the most consistent influence in my life and my business. Even so, I can’t deny that a lot of support and a fair amount of luck have played a part in getting to this point. I’ve noticed that when I focus on learning, engaging with others, and following the things that truly interest me, the right things seem to end up in my path. That doesn’t make it easy, but it does make it more possible.
I’ve had some bad luck too, and I try my best to just keep my head down and do the work until those times pass.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.centeredearth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centered_earth
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centeredearthstudio/
Image Credits
Five images credited to Jenna Evelhair:
Hands rolling texture onto clay
Studio space (ceramic painting room)
Studio space (classroom)
Hands throwing bowl on wheel
Hands painting vase
