Exploring Life & Business with Lauren Pedersen of Costa Mesa Ceramics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Pedersen.

Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I started Costa Mesa Ceramics in 2016. I was in my early 20s and eager to do something less mundane than working in a kitchen at a restaurant; I wanted to wake up every day and work towards something that benefitted me and my future, as well as the community I love so much. If I was going to be stressed about my job, I wanted it to be because of something important to me, not whether or not table six got their salad. Ceramics was a hobby I squeezed in in between work and community college. I found myself spending all my free time at ceramics studios and realized that there is something so special about building relationships with people in your community over a common interest. Making friends with those you otherwise might not get a chance to know if it weren’t for a space created for us like-minded folks. I have been blessed beyond belief with such wonderful members and students from our community that opt to share their free time at Costa Mesa Ceramics. I wake up every day feeling grateful to be my own boss with the best team of coworkers I could ever dream up. 

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?
We will have been in business for 8 years this September. Throughout that time, I have definitely had my ups and downs. It’s the unforeseen and things that can’t be prepare for that truly put us to the test. I’ve learned to keep pushing and to never give up. I tell myself there’s no other option but to make it work, and we will get through whatever obstacle is in our way. I’m lucky to have a team that truly cares about the well-being of my business, and I think that is the secret to our success. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Costa Mesa Ceramics is a community pottery studio where we teach classes for beginners to intermediate, along with monthly memberships for the more veteran ceramicist. We opened our doors in 2016 and have primarily catered to ages 18+. Earlier this year, we expanded our studio space and launched an all-new youth program! We couldn’t be more excited to finally be able to offer classes for all ages. Our youth summer camps will be kicking off this June as well as some awesome courses for teens. As always, we will continue to post fun workshops and courses to our website on a monthly basis. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to find out about new classes and happenings at Costa Mesa Ceramics! 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risks are a part of running a business that you can’t avoid. Starting this business in the first place was a risk, but here we are, over 7 years later, still kicking. I try and trust my gut as best as I can. Your initial instinct is usually correct, but always take time to think through important decisions. Sometimes, things don’t play out as planned, but I can only predict so much based on past experience and current economics. I made the decision to expand the studio space earlier this year, and I’m still not sure if that was a worthwhile risk; only time will tell. The best I can do is keep my chin up and the hustle going. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.costamesaceramics.com
• Instagram: @CostaMesaCeramics

Image Credits
Lauren Turek