Meet Anna from Anna Loves Pottery

What was your lightbulb moment?

There was not so much a light bulb moment per se, but everything happened very quickly. I started my business a little over two years ago as I was, originally, a hobby ceramist. My love story with clay started when I took a sculpture class at Morley College but eventually ran out of space for all the things I was making. So I decided to make a change and do a ceramics class once a week, so I could at least use all the things I made. During the pandemic my course stopped, so I decided to join a shared studio in Hoxton; that’s also where I made my very first Swirl Bowl.

It all started with the idea of having a separate bowl for dip and chips. The technique I used was definitely not easy to master but my first Swirl Bowl was almost perfect. I think if I knew how hard making them really is or, if my first bowl didn’t turn out that well, I might never have continued.

When Instagram launched ‘Reels’, as I’m always very open to trying new things, I decided to post my Swirl Bowl there, and the rest is history I guess! Within a short while my video got almost 2 million views and lots of people asked me to purchase it.

That’s when I truly understood that I’d created something special and decided I needed to build a studio at home with a kiln and a slab roller – soon Anna Loves Pottery was born. The first year was ok for just starting, but definitely had its ups and downs. However, in the second year, things really took off and I had multiple Reels with multi-million views.  The algorithm liked me I guess and they pushed my content more, it’s truly incredible how social media can change and transform your life. There was, of course, a lot of luck involved – I was just in the right place at the right time when Reels became popular.

At the moment I don’t have stockists, I just sell directly to customers through my website and, generally, we sell out in the first few minutes after we go live with new pieces.

What’s the best thing about running your own business?

I fully acknowledge that I’m in a very privileged position and I just love that I can do what I want, whenever I want. I am in charge of my day-to-day life and I make my own rules.

I also love getting messages from my customers about how happy they are with my bowls and seeing the lovely videos they post on Instagram showing how they’re being used in their homes. Getting validation and appreciation for your art is probably the best thing ever.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced?

How unpredictable it can be to sell, and to work for yourself. Last year for the first six months I had very low sales. It was so difficult, but I am lucky enough to come from a family that has an entrepreneurial background, so I understand the drill and I knew that tough times were inevitable so I just tried to keep going.

Why did you choose ANNA as your business account?

I liked that it was really quick and easy to get an account as a new business owner and I loved that the setup process was simple. And, of course, for my name, it was just perfect! People often ask me: “Is it actually your bank?”

What advice would you give other businesses finding themselves in this situation?

Stick it out and don’t let it mess with your head – if you don’t believe in yourself no one else will either.

What’s your superpower at work?

My superpower is that I just go for it, and I am not scared of taking risks and trying out new things. I like to experiment with my art and 90% of the time it just works out. I would describe myself as quite a bold person.

What’s the one (or more) ANNA feature you couldn’t live without and why…

Definitely the chat function. I love that it’s just one interface so you don’t have to go through loads of subsections – everything’s quick and easy to do through one interface.

Do you have a motto or mantra for your approach to business?

Not as such, but it’s very important to me to take care of the people who work for me and to pay them a fair wage. I also take great pride in producing a quality product that makes people happy.

What’s next for you and your business?

Eventually, I would like to scale up production and give more people the opportunity to buy my creations, but it’s proving to be quite difficult because of the unique shape of the design.

What’s your favourite chip and dip combo?

I think classic nachos and guacamole is my favourite!

Finally… Do you prefer cats or dogs?

I have a dog called Hank and a cat called Mister Belvedere. Of course, I love both of them to bits! I’ve almost always had animals in my life and I just love the atmosphere they bring. I had quite a tough time privately last year and I just don’t think I would have made it through without them.

Check out Anna’s Swirl bowls at annalovespottery.com and follow her on Instagram @annalovespottery