Name of Business – Coffee n Clay

Address – 5 Station Road, Hagley

Telephone – 01562 632061

Website – www.coffeenclay.co.uk

Social Media – Facebook.com/coffeenclay. Instagram @coffeenclay

Opening Hours – Monday, Tuesday 10-4, Thursday-Saturday 10-4, Sunday 10-3

Who are you?

I am a paint your own pottery and coffee shop in Hagley

When did you open and why?

I opened the shop in June 2018 just before Father’s Day. I had planned on opening at the beginning of June but the kiln didn’t arrive in time and you can’t have a pottery shop without a kiln! In the area there was a lack of good creative spaces and with 2 children of my own I found I was travelling to get to destinations similar to my shop. I was really attracted to opening up a shop where relaxation and creativity were the focus and it was important that it was in a community so that I could offer something additional to what was already there. I have always worked in hospitality and I love being creative so this seemed like the perfect match.

Tell us about your business Coffee n Clay is a bright, modern and creative space just off the high street in Hagley towards the train station. I have black shelves full of cream bisqueware (named because the pottery is as hard as a biscuit) from chip and dip plates to dinosaurs, trinket boxes to giraffes, and mugs and bowls. I try and change the stock regularly so there is always something new to paint. There are shelves full of glazes, brushes and over 40 paints to choose from.

You will find a selection of cakes from a local baker, and fresh coffee from a roaster in Bristol. We have a recently developed outside area which really is a hidden gem and catches the sun all day the perfect place to paint or just sit with a cuppa.

We are lucky enough to have a really good area for birthday parties, hen parties and baby showers. We have pottery for every kind of celebration.

How did you decide on the name? I was looking for a combination of words to showcase what I did. Coffee n Clay seemed like a perfect description.

Who works there? I have a really lovely team who bring a range of skills to the shop. Rachel McBride works along side me, Jemima Ashton is creative and helps me with the glazing and firing. I have weekend staff (Camille and Eve) to help out when we have birthday parties and evening events.

Who are your customers? We have a real mix of customers – children of all ages! Families of different generations, mums wanting some time to themselves, and friends having a catch up. We have people visit us from all over the West Midlands. I have also been involved with disability groups and schools.

What’s your most memorable / proudest moment in business? I love it when we get new born babies in to have their hand or foot prints captured – it really is creating memories and I enjoy being part of it. Every time I open the kiln and see the shiny, glossy creations from customers its always a proud moment. Just recently I have been nominated for a Midlands Enterprise Award and during these uncertain times it was such welcome news!

Have you had any strange/ quirky suggestions or stories from customers? Hen Parties bring a more flamboyant side to pottery painting. I love showing people’s creations on social media but I have to censor some of the hen’s pottery pieces!

What are your ambitions for the future? Pottery painting is such a relaxing and focused activity with a huge range of health and wellbeing benefits there are so many community groups that could benefit from this activity and it is my aim to get as many people involved as I can.