pickled palette

BUSINESS OWNER: Ashley Prince
BUSINESS NAME: Pickled Palette
MAIN PRODUCTS/SERVICES: DIY pottery, painting, glass, pallet art
LOCATION: 4014 Morningside Avenue Sioux City IA 51106
WEBSITE:  pickledpalette.com

Short description of your business:

Pickled Palette, a DIY art studio, allows for the creation of pottery, glass fusing, canvas, pallet art and more on a walk-in basis. It offers entertainment for all ages with no reservations or appointments needed. Regardless of skill level, Pickled Palette has an artistic medium to suit your liking. Experienced staff is available at all times to demonstrate best practices, answer questions, and offer assistance.

What motivated you to start your business? What drives you each day? 

Since a young child, art has always been my passion. Different mediums and creative techniques are always changing and I love keeping up with the new trends and current styles of popular art. 

What’s unique about your business?

We are always trying new art mediums and continuing to evolve to keep our customers engaged. There is something for everyone in the family!

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as you’ve grown your business? 

Balance: Having a young family and continuing to grow the business. I’ve had to learn to trust in my team and allow myself to step away when I’m needed by my family. 

What has been your greatest reward? 

Seeing my young children grow up around the studio life and understanding what hard work it takes to run a successful business. 

How have you benefited from the startup community in Sioux City and the region? What resources did you use?

The Small Business Development Center was a huge influence and encouraged me to push my dream to fruition. Swimming With The Sharks alotted a grant that allowed us to grow by adding clay.

Are there any experiences that were particularly influential in that regard?

I learned to have confidence in my business idea, and it helps to surround yourself with other driven and likeminded people. Meeting and talking to other startups who were at different stages of growth also helped me to tackle my own growing pains.

Why is it important for the community to support startups and small businesses? What more can be done to help them?

Small businesses are what make our community unique and makes Sioux City stand out from any other city. By supporting local versus chains, you encourage one of a kind busineses like ours to flourish in Siouxland and for that growth to remain here. 

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when starting your business?

Not every day is going to be a red letter day. Be ready for the ups and downs of business. Save the fantastic email from that new customer or screenshot the Facebook review that made you cry happy tears. You will need them when you are having that tough day and you ask yourself, “Why?”. They will help you quickly remember your ultimate goal and will get you back in the spirits. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a business?

Research to be sure your business plan is sound, but don’t be afraid to make the leap when the time is right. 

How can the community continue to help your business?

Helping embrace Sioux City’s uniqueness can only result in allowing our community to grow. Think small and think local when you need a bite to eat, a coffee, or some family entertainment. Businesses like mine appreciate it more than you know!

What are some future goals for your company?

As the popularity of hand thrown pottery grows, we are excited to offer more clay classes for adults as well as children.