Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassandra Guzman.
Kassandra, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 2016, I was 23 years old when an idea came to me of being able to successfully run a pottery business, after running some numbers I invested in six wheels, a kiln, and just went for it.
Two years before that my friend and I had taken a class together, and I just wanted to keep practicing. I luckily came upon a dude going through foreclosure who was selling a wheel, a kiln (ceramic oven) and glazes for the price of a wheel!
It was one of those “Woo Woo Universe ” moments to me. So for two years, I would sit on my wheel for hours in my backyard, glazing and experimenting with the kiln.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My most major struggle in 3 words: Commercial Real Estate
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kuupottery – what should we know?
Kuupottery is me, a ceramicist, entrepreneur, making pottery in my studio while teaching others how to make it too.
I specialize in custom-made pottery for businesses, I’ve worked with many amazing locals. I also create small batch releases of Kuupottery every season for consumers to purchase on my website or in store.
My Erotic Mug Workshops, is one of my most popular classes, I get a lot of phone calls like “Are you the place that does the boobie mugs?” its light hearted and gives people a chance to express body positivity. My monthly “Fundamentals of Clay” class goes over the steps of making your own ceramic collection and is also very popular.
I’m just proud that I was able to have found something that fulfills me in a spiritual way and I want to share that with others. I’m grateful that my business turned 3 this year and people are still able to appreciate and share clay experiences with me, whether by buying from my small batch releases of ceramics or by taking a class.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I’ve met so many genuine people in Miami, it may sound cheesy, but I give credit to all the people who have come through a workshop and bought my work.
Special thanks to my clients
-Panther Coffee
-Sacred Space
-Moon Dance Experience
-Alma Aroma Therapy (shout out to Vicky Serra for getting me this interview!)
-Fincas Coffee
-La Galleria
-Jan Elani
-Katherine Nemser
-@supportlocalsfl
Also, shout out to my family who are always helping me move my very heavy and delicate equipment.
Pricing:
- Workshops (single day to 4 weeks) $40 – 165
- Handbuilding Party (minimum 10 people) $30 per person
Contact Info:
- Address: 2636 NW 21st Terrace Miami Fl, 33142
- Website: kuupottery.com
- Email: kuupotterymiami@gmail.com
- Instagram: kuupottery
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
