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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
After becoming friends through an organization they both belonged to, Patti Dixon and Cathy Gerwick discovered they shared a common interest in ceramics. Cathy was surprised to learn that Patti already owned essential ceramics equipment such as molds and kilns, which made it easier for them to do their hobby together.
It became a dream for the two women to open their own ceramics shop. Just over a year ago they started talking about the practicalities of their business venture. Only a short time later, they discovered an existing shop for sale and decided to purchase it. Abbey Ceramics officially opened its doors in May of this year in Salt Lake City.
Abbey Ceramics has around 14,000 ceramic molds that include everything from birdhouses to animals to religious items. In the summertime, gnomes and turtles tend to be more popular while Halloween and Christmas items are the most requested in the fall. Patti tells me the shop has over 1,000 Santa Claus molds alone. The shop also has paint supplies and brushes and sells finished ceramic pieces.
The business includes a classroom where clients can work on their own projects or attend classes. In October, Abbey Ceramics hosted classes for airbrushing and Raku (a special firing technique). Next month Patti and Cathy plan to hold a chalking seminar.
Patti picked up ceramics as a hobby 20 years ago. She learned techniques and became certified through the Gare Company, which sells paint and molds. Ceramics has been a favorite creative outlet ever since. While Cathy was a teen, her mother, who was a teacher in Oregon, taught her all about ceramics.
Both Patti and Cathy hope to help revive interest in the dying art of ceramics through their business. Eventually they would like to expand Abbey Ceramics to include pottery and mold making but for now they plan to continue focusing on ceramics.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
