The Hustle
Years in Tampa Bay
Matthew is a St. Petersburg native. Katie has been a resident of The Burg for about 25 years. Our pottery business began here in St. Petersburg in 2010.
Hustle (job)
Owners of Recycled Earth Pottery.
What do you do?
Matt is an artist who spends hours making a piece of stoneware art that allows people to see the beauty of stoneware. He often uses clay that has been discarded by other potters. Katie is an artisan who likes to make pretty, practical, solid stoneware pieces for people to use in their homes.
Why do you do it?
Creativity is in our DNA. Each of us needs to express our creativity in the way we feel most comfortable. We are fortunate to enjoy the same because we get dirty while we create our pottery.
What was your Catalyst? (How did you get started?)
Katie asked Matt to join her at her pottery class to celebrate their anniversary. Matt sat down at the wheel, threw a bowl and was a natural potter. Eventually our house was too full of pottery and we started our homegrown business.
What’s a common misconception or unknown aspect of what you do?
Pottery is a creative science as well as a math puzzle. Part of that puzzle is that you have multiple steps that must be followed correctly. Even when you do everything correctly there is no guarantee that your piece will be perfect. Balance, synergy, patience and a grand sense of humor help your creative process.
What’s the most challenging part of your Hustle?
The most challenging part of what we do is to step outside the box and expand our repertoire. Finding different shapes, textures, glazes and combinations that we like are important in not falling into a creativity rut.
What’s the most valuable piece of business advice/insight that’s helped you?
Do not go into debt to start your business. Pay your quarterly taxes on time.
