Flipped Pot: Passion in ceramics

A “full access” ceramics studio opened on August 20 in downtown Olympia. Flipped Pot Ceramics Studio is the passion of Jessica St. Louis, a former teacher and now first-time business owner.

“Full access” means the studio is open to members 24/7. St. Louis said of the business concept, “It allows members to enjoy their passion on their schedule.” Flipped Pot caters to every level of ceramics enthusiast. The business offers classes for beginners, workshops at all skill levels and memberships for confident solo crafting.

Interest in the art and hobby of ceramics has taken off since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns. St. Louis believes “people are searching for a creative outlet to express themselves.” She discovered the 24/7 “full access” membership business model in the Seattle area. Flipped Pot Ceramics Studio offers storage lockers for frequent use members so they don’t have to lug their tools back and forth.

St. Louis told The JOLT that she wants to include every potential customer, from the ceramics-curious to the expert glazer. The business is open to someone looking to spend an evening with a new activity and the learned artist without the space or resources to follow their passion.

“My goal is for this space to be full circle for artists,” St. Louis said, “from making the work to selling it.”

Flipped Pot Ceramic Studio has 10 various throwing wheels today, with “more to come.” Custom glazes are available with a constant rotation of colors. The studio offers several locally sourced clay bodies for purchase. A throwing wheel is a machine that rotates the clay body. The clay body is a customized blend of clays and other earthy mineral substances. The ceramic glaze is an impenetrable layer or coating used to decorate the finished formed piece.

St. Louis has a masters degree in teaching from The Evergreen State College. This past school year she taught ceramics at North Mason High School in Belfair. After over a decade in education she “soured on the politics of the education system, but loved working with ceramics.” Flipped Pot Ceramics Studio was born. After a few months of contemplation, St Louis jumped off the cliff into entrepreneurialism. St Louis looks forward to “being the mentor and guide to all levels of ceramics artists.”

St Louis expects to get the kinks worked out with the soft opening in August. She wants to be up to full speed by Olympia Arts Walk this Fall.

Flipped Pot Ceramics Studio is located at 317 4th Avenue East in downtown Olympia between Franklin and Adams Streets in the Annie’s Artist Studios building. You can learn more about membership and classes at FlippedPot.com.

Jay Fratt is an Olympia-based local business owner and podcaster.