Letting the Clay Guide You: A Slow Journey with Tiny Co Pottery
When Morgan of Tiny Co Pottery took a one-and-a-half-hour pottery workshop in 2023, she had no idea it would change the direction of her life. At the time, she was working part time as a dental hygienist, a career she enjoyed, but one that didn’t fully align with how she wanted to live. That brief pottery class sparked something. Something slow, intuitive, and soul settling. She left knowing: “I want to keep doing this.”
Four months later, Morgan had a second-hand pottery wheel, community classes under her belt, and a garage full of clay covered joy. But what started as a hobby soon became something more. When she found herself producing more than she could manage through shared studio space, she faced a decision: scale back or lean in. With encouragement from her family, she bought a kiln. It arrived months early. Suddenly, the choice was made.
“It was a big investment, financially, emotionally, and in terms of time. But it felt right. It was a leap, but I had the support to make it.”
That support from her husband, her children, and her community has been instrumental in turning her creative spark into Tiny Co Pottery, a small business rooted in values of family, faith, and generosity.
The Lesson: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Morgan’s story offers an important reminder in a world obsessed with fast growth and scale: not everything is meant to be rushed. Pottery, much like life, doesn’t respond well to being forced. It dries how it wants. It cracks when hurried. It demands patience, attention, and stillness — all things that Morgan has come to cherish.
“Pottery is slow. And if you try to speed it up, it breaks. I think there’s a lesson in that.”
For Morgan, choosing to keep Tiny Co small and sustainable is a conscious decision that protects her creative joy, honors her family life, and allows her to give generously to her community. She doesn’t chase trends. She makes what brings her joy. A straw cup for summer. A floral mug inspired by her kids. A custom plate bearing the handwriting of a loved one who has passed. It’s deeply personal work.
From Hobby to Heartfelt Business
The name Tiny Co comes from her great grandmother, affectionately known as Tiny, who embodied values that now guide Morgan’s life: devotion to family, faith, and giving. These values are baked into every piece Morgan makes. Whether it’s a shop update every few months or a custom order for someone navigating loss, each creation is rooted in care.
“This isn’t a path I mapped out. It’s not a straight road. But I follow where it leads, and I stay true to my values.”
Morgan admits the shift from hobbyist to business owner isn’t always comfortable. Pricing, marketing, spreadsheets — those are skills she’s had to learn on the fly. But being part of the Flagstaff Crafted community has helped. From mentorship by other makers to retail support through local businesses, she’s found encouragement at every step.
Balancing Clay and Life
Running a home-based creative business takes discipline. Morgan sets clear work hours, avoids emails outside of office time, and resists the urge to just pop out to the garage when pottery calls. That boundary setting, supported by her husband, ensures that Tiny Co fits into her life, not over it.
And her family is all in. Her kids love using her pieces. Her husband once tried to buy a mug off her site. She wouldn’t let him.
“They’re happy because they see I’m happy. That’s all I can ask for.”
Final Thoughts: If You’re Feeling Out of Alignment
Morgan’s journey started with a feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Instead of pushing through, she chose to listen. To slow down. To explore.
Her advice? Talk to your people. Find support. Start small. Read something that stretches your thinking. She recommends The Art of Happiness by Arthur Brooks and Oprah or the research of Brad Stulberg. And maybe, just maybe, take that class. The one that’s been sitting in the back of your mind. You never know where it might lead.
