Today we’d like to introduce you to Damla Yenigun.
Hi Damla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m a designer and creative entrepreneur with a background in product and interaction design, and the founder of Atelier Newday, a pottery painting and art studio based in South Florida. My journey into this space is both personal and creative.
The studio was originally founded by my mom, who built a beautiful community around art and creativity. Unfortunately, like many small businesses, it had to close during COVID. Seeing what that space meant to people—and to our family—stayed with me. After completing my studies and gaining experience in design and marketing, I felt a strong pull to bring it back to life, but also reimagine it in a way that reflects my own perspective and vision. That’s how I reopened Atelier Newday.
With my background in design thinking, I’ve always been interested in how people experience spaces and creativity. I wanted to create an environment where art feels accessible, welcoming, and meaningful—whether someone is painting for the first time or reconnecting with their creative side.
Since reopening, the studio has grown into more than just a pottery painting space. We host workshops, private events, and team-building experiences, and collaborate with schools, cultural centers, and community organizations. I’ve also expanded into developing take-home creative kits and unique workshop concepts inspired by different art forms, including Turkish ceramic painting and marbling techniques.
Alongside running the studio, I continue to work in marketing and branding, which has helped me build a strong identity and community around the business. Today, my focus is on growing Atelier Newday into a creative hub that brings people together through art—while honoring its roots and continuing to evolve with new ideas and experiences.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that’s true for most creative businesses.
One of the biggest challenges has been building and sustaining the business from the ground up—everything from attracting and retaining customers to managing day-to-day operations. Running a studio means constantly balancing creativity with logistics, and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes that people don’t always see.
There have also been very real, hands-on challenges. Working with ceramics, for example, comes with its own unpredictability—kiln issues, material reactions, and production setbacks can happen, and when they do, you have to respond quickly and take full responsibility. Those moments can be stressful, especially when your work is tied to people’s personal experiences or special events.
Another challenge has been wearing multiple hats. I’m involved in everything—creative direction, teaching, marketing, partnerships, and operations—while also continuing my work in marketing and branding outside the studio. It can be overwhelming at times, but it’s also taught me how to be adaptable and resourceful.
Overall, while the path hasn’t been easy, those challenges have been essential in shaping how I approach the business today. They’ve made me more resilient and have helped me build something that’s not only creative, but also sustainable and community-focused.
As you know, we’re big fans of Atelier Newday. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Atelier Newday is a pottery painting and art studio based in South Florida, focused on making creativity accessible, social, and meaningful. At its core, we offer a space where people can slow down, connect, and create—whether that’s through painting ceramics, joining a workshop, or celebrating a special occasion.
We specialize in pottery painting experiences and host everything from walk-in sessions and birthday parties to corporate team-building events and collaborations with schools and cultural organizations.
What sets us apart is the experience. We’re not just providing a product—we’re creating an environment. My background in design and branding plays a big role in that. Every detail, from the studio atmosphere to the way workshops are structured, is intentional. We focus on making art feel welcoming rather than intimidating, so anyone—regardless of skill level—can enjoy the process.
We’re also known for being very community-driven and flexible. We work closely with different groups to tailor experiences to their needs, whether it’s adapting workshops for different age groups, budgets, or event types. That adaptability has allowed us to grow into a space that serves a wide range of people.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the identity we’ve built. Atelier Newday feels modern, creative, and warm—it reflects both a design-forward approach and a genuine sense of connection. It’s not just a studio; it’s a creative hub where people come to experience something, not just make something.
What I’d want readers to know is that we’re constantly evolving. We’re always expanding our offerings and finding ways to bring more creativity into people’s everyday lives—whether that’s through in-studio experiences, off-site events, or take-home creative kits.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to be patient—with the process, with growth, and with myself.
When you’re building something creative, it’s easy to want everything to happen quickly—to see immediate results, to have everything run perfectly, to feel like you’ve “figured it out.” But in reality, growth takes time, and a lot of it happens quietly in the background. There are slow days, unexpected challenges, and moments where things don’t go as planned.
I’ve learned that patience isn’t about waiting passively—it’s about continuing to show up, staying consistent, and trusting that the effort compounds over time. Especially in a hands-on business like this, where so much depends on people, materials, and experience, not everything can be controlled or rushed.
That mindset has helped me become more resilient and more present in the day-to-day. Instead of focusing only on the end result, I’ve learned to value the process, the small wins, and the relationships we’re building along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anewdaypottery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atelier_newday/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atelier.newday
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/atelier-newday-oakland-park?osq=atelier+newday&override_cta=Request+information
