Spot-light on: Lily Pottery

Who is Lily Pottery? Where are you located?
Lily Pottery is hand-crafted/hand stamped porcelain jewelry and one-of-a-kind wheel thrown ceramics. We are located in Greenville , SC


How did you come up with your business name?
Well…it’s not super original, my name, lily, is how I sign the back of all my jewelry and the bottom of all my pots, it only seemed natural to call it “lily pottery."
When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I had been in a position as the Marketing Director of a company straight out of college. When I realized I was able to market for a company, (that I really didn’t LOVE the product, nor was I passionate about) and be successful at it, it hit me…I have a great product that is original, I can market it and possibly be successful, so I went for it!


How did you get started?
I began making jewelry for my sister, mom and me. We wore it everywhere and when we began to get compliments on our jewelry. I had my first order from a friend of mine who was getting married, I had never met his fiance, but she saw my jewelry online and love it, so she ordered a set for all of her bridesmaids. I was so nervous! I had never met her or any of her friends, so when I flew to California for the wedding and saw that all of the girls like the jewelry and went on and on about how “original and different it was,” I realized “I just might have something…” so, it began….

What motivates you to keep your business going?
I LOVE what I do. The amazing thing about being an entrepreneur, is that if you TRULY love what you’re doing, this natural drive and energy comes from loving what you do, pouring your life into it, and watching it grow. It’s really amazing!


What are your inspirations, where do you get ideas for your work?
I know it seems to be a bit “cliché”, but I am truly inspired by nature. Whether it’s my wildflower and herb garden in the back yard, or the beautiful textures from the lichens and moss on the pecan tree trunks in my yard. The organic beauty that is so natural and not contrived in nature inspires the hand-carved stamps used on my necklaces and pottery.


Do you have a particular product that's a best-seller on your site?
The “vintage garden” necklaces and earrings are my “best sellers.” I can’t seem to keep them in stock.


How do you advertise your business?
I send out postcards and email fliers each month for my shows. I also blog. Blogging has opened up a whole new world that’s just amazing! I am getting ready to launch my fall catalog with my new fall line. It’s my first catalog, so I guess we’ll see how effective it is…

Which advertising methods proved successful/effective?
Blogging really has opened up so many doors to connect with other artists and creative types. It’s really an amazing way to advertise as well…and the best part…it’s FREE!

How do you juggle family and work at home?
I do have to keep things organized and separate. It’s very easy to become consumed with my business, but my family comes first and I never would have made it as far as I have without them and all of the support they give. I constantly remind myself of that and work hard to keep my priorities straight.

Current promotions/specials at Lily Pottery:
My fall line of jewelry will be available on my website October 1st. The fall line will be available through April on my website.


Anything else you'd like to add about Lily Pottery or about being a WAHM in general?
Starting my own business has been an amazing journey. It’s been so very hard and stretching at times, but it is so worth it. When wonderful opportunities come along, such as this interview, it really keeps you going and makes your realize, all the hard work is really worth it!

Visit Lily Pottery at: www.lilypottery.com





(Note: Logo, product images and interview responses courtesy of Lily Pottery. Please respect their work and do not copy and/or alter their images and words. Thank you! )