Ep 612: Being Your Own Boss with Amy Brummond of Pine Zen Potter

The Maker's Playbook

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As makers transitioning from hobby to business, we often forget the most powerful perk of self-employment: you're the boss who makes the rules, not just the employee doing all the work. What if setting clear boundaries, creating a sustainable schedule, and giving yourself permission to evolve creatively are actually your responsibilities as a good boss to yourself? As Amy Brummond shares her journey of artistic evolution, we see how honoring her creative restlessness not only reignited her passion but actually strengthened her business when customers responded enthusiastically to her new work. Could the courage to follow your changing creative voice—even when it means risking established success—be what ultimately creates the sustainable making practice that allows you to thrive both creatively and financially?

Looking for more support in trying to figure out how to be your own boss? The Community is the place to be. With now over 100 makers from all over the world, The Community is where you can dive deeper into any of the topics we’ve started talking about here on the podcast. Whether it’s the debate back on episode #509 about choosing between Etsy or your own website, or trying to sort out what type of side-hustle or full-time business works for your own personal life after hearing so many different kind of stories here on the podcast, if you’ve been listening along and find yourself wishing for more at the end of an episode, The Community is that more. Learn about more of the perks of membership by visiting makersplaybook.com/community or send me a message and I can put you in touch with one of our members to get an insider’s perspective.

Resources in this Episode:
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Chapters

1. Amy Brummond (00:00:00)

2. Welcome and Introduction (00:03:13)

3. Reconnecting with Pottery (00:05:06)

4. Exploring Techniques and Styles (00:07:20)

5. Finding Success and Challenges (00:13:21)

6. I'm my own boss (00:16:33)

7. Shifting to New Designs (00:30:10)

8. Balancing Customer Expectations and Personal Fulfillment (00:38:06)

9. The Challenge of Promoting Repetitive Work (00:38:33)

10. Navigating Social Media and Growth (00:39:28)

11. Diverse Sales Platforms and Strategies (00:39:44)

12. The Value of Community and Connection (00:41:40)

13. Balancing Studio Time and Social Media Efforts (00:44:57)

14. Learning Through Failure and Other Artists' Work (00:50:36)

15. Managing Work-Life Balance as an Artist (01:00:49)