As part of our Season 02 of CulturallyOurs we have guest contributors from around the world who have generously shared their entrepreneurial journey. It is so interesting to read different perspectives and experiences even beyond the guests featured on our CulturallyOurs podcast.

This week we showcase Archana Srinivas from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Thank you so much for contributing a few words on Global Entrepreneurship for CulturallyOurs.

#1 Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and where are you from and what is your business – just to set the stage if you will.

My name is Archana Srinivas. I am a potter who has worn many different creative hats over the years. My journey started in India in the world of advertising as an art director, then on the world wide web as a user experience designer. While taking a break to raise my daughter, I turned a blogger authoring a popular Indian Interior Décor Blog: Rang Decor {Interior Ideas predominantly Indian} and pursued my love for photography. On moving to the US and learning a new skill of pottery, I realized that with my arms deep in clay I had finally arrived home! Archana Srinivas Pottery was born out of this love to create simple, functional forms of pottery that can be used in everyday life.

#2 What has been your biggest win/ah-ha moment and what has been your biggest challenge?

My journey in clay serendipitously turned into a one of entrepreneurship. Being a blogger gave me a platform to share my pottery work with readers. Soon I had enquiries from prospective customers to purchase my work. I can’t say that I have had one single big aha moment or a big challenge but it’s been a series of learning’s while I steered my way as a small business owner.

I have learned that if you are sincere in your effort to share the creative process in pottery making, it reflects in the form of great customer relationships. One of the challenges as an artist and entrepreneur is finding the balance between creating what inspires me and satisfying my customer expectations.

#3 As an entrepreneur we sometime are alone at the helm steering our ship without any help and support – both mentally and physically – have you ever felt that way? How and where do you find your support system?

‘One Woman Army‘ pretty much sums up my small pottery business. Right from making the pots, to styling and photography, promotions on social media, packing and shipping is all handled by me.

There is a universe of resource for ceramic artists out there. Reading about successful ceramic artists and their journeys keeps me inspired to continue taking small steps in my business.

#4 What does the business and entrepreneurial landscape look like where you are based?

I live in the Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis US. We have a thriving creative community here. Loads of programs for women in small businesses, Crafters and Makers. Archana Srinivas Pottery recently became a member of Minneapolis Craft Market – a wonderful community of local designers, artists and makers. A great learning ground for selling in a craft market setting.

East Central Minnesota hosts the St Croix River Potter’s Tour annually where local potters play host to talented potters from around the US. As a potter to meet, interact and see the work of successful potters whom I have admired is motivational.

#5 Lets talk motivation / mindset / growth / business for a moment – unlike Corporate where someone else is in charge, for an entrepreneur it is all you – so how do you keep yourself motivated and excited about your future? What keeps you going when the going gets tough?

Community: I make my pots at our local community art center. Apart from being a space where I learn and create my work, it is also the space where I connect with other experienced potters and entrepreneurs. I am also fortunate to have a supportive creative online community that I draw inspiration from.

Podcasts/Books: I love podcasts, I listen to them when I am driving, doing the dishes and throwing pots. There are some amazing podcasts and books on pottery, growing your business, motivation, and discipline.

Self Care: In the days of Instagram scrolling and FOMO it’s easy to fall into the comparison trap. It’s important to remind ourselves to celebrate small victories in your work. There are days as a small business owner when things get crazy busy, it’s absolutely essential to slowdown and take care of yourself if you are in it for the long haul.

#6 If you could go back in time to when you first started – would you do it all over again? Or would you change something and what would it be?

I started Archana Srinivas Pottery three years ago. There have been many experiences~ my first ever ETSY sale, preparing for the first craft market, learning about the business side of selling, taking constructive criticism, styling and product photography…all these have been essential part of my entrepreneurial journey and I wouldn’t want to change anything about it.

Thank you so much Archana for taking the time to share your story with us.

{Words and Photos by Archana Srinivas of Archana Srinivas Pottery }

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