November 18, 2024

Fired Up Pottery: Crafting a New Path

Blanca Torres, owner of Fired Up Pottery, has transformed her passion for pottery into a thriving business, creating opportunities for both youth and adults in her community to explore the art.

Blanca’s journey into small business ownership is one of resilience and determination. After being impacted by layoffs, Blanca turned to pottery as both a creative outlet and a source of income. She launched her initial venture, Bunnytopia, during the pandemic, creating custom pieces and attending local street fairs and pop-up events across Palm Springs. However, Blanca soon realized her dream went beyond pop-up events — she wanted a brick-and-mortar studio where she could share her craft with the community on a larger scale.

Overcoming Challenges

Moving from temporary setups to a permanent location came with significant challenges, including financial barriers. Initially unable to secure a small business loan, Blanca sought support from the OCIE SBDC. Working closely with OCIE SBDC Consultants Lupe Amith and Karie Armstrong, she developed a solid business plan and prepared financial projections to appeal to potential lenders.

Together, they worked on site selection, lease review, construction estimates, and strategic planning to prepare for the studio’s grand opening. Over the course of six months, Blanca diligently worked on improving her credit, growing her savings, and refining her business strategy. She ultimately secured a $50,000 loan from a community lender, enabling her to take the next steps toward opening her studio. Reflecting on her experience, Blanca expressed gratitude: “I am very grateful for all the help I’ve received from Lupe and Karie and the SBDC. All the knowledge I’ve gained has prepared me for this journey as a small business owner.”

A New Home for Creativity

With Fired Up Pottery’s new studio, Blanca has established a welcoming space for local artists and pottery enthusiasts to learn, create, and connect. Her inspiring journey demonstrates the impact of hard work, resilience, and the support of organizations like the OCIE SBDC in turning entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Looking to Start or Grow Your Business?

Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. Access expert, business consulting, training, and resources — all at no cost to you. Whether you’re looking to launch a new business or expand an existing one, the OCIE SBDC is here to help you succeed.

Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment today.