'I opened a pottery painting studio and cafe where people can unwind and get creative while enjoying a glass of wine or cup of coffee'

Her pottery painting studio, Coffee n Clay, opened in Hagley in June 2018 offering a space where people could unwind, try something new or devote time to a favourite hobby.

It was important to Ruth that visitors could also enjoy a good cup of coffee or glass of wine and get a bite to eat while they painted.

 "I worked in hospitality for many years, and after having my two children, I felt ready for something more creative - while still keeping that love of hospitality at the heart of what I do. 

"Pottery painting isn’t a quick activity - you can easily spend two hours creating your piece. It felt strange not to offer drinks and food as part of that experience. We’re licensed and serve cakes and charcuterie boards,” says Ruth.

Her vision for the business was to provide a welcoming, calming environment where people of all backgrounds and skill levels could feel at ease.

"People can relax and create and there is no pressure. It’s for everybody. It doesn’t matter how young you are, how old you are, it’s inclusive. It’s really relaxing and good for the soul,” adds Ruth.

"It’s all about expressing yourself and connecting with the people you are with. It’s about being more present, talking to each other and being in the moment,” she explains. 

Customers can choose from a wide range of pottery items including plates, mugs, vases, ornaments, plant pots, trinkets, and seasonal pieces. Prices, which cover paints, glazing and firing, range from £8 for small tiles and hanging ornaments up to £40.

“We have two kilns on site, so we glaze and fire everything here. A lot of people can be quite nervous about painting because they think it has to be perfect but it doesn’t – it’s not an art class, you can do whatever you want. 

"We have paintbrushes, sponges, stencils and lots of hints and tips,” says Ruth.

“While pottery painting has typically attracted more women, that’s really changing. We’re seeing far more men giving it a go,” she adds. “Sometimes they start off a little hesitant, but they quickly get stuck in and end up loving it.”

Coffee n Clay hosts a variety of themed events throughout the year as well as its regular Thursday evening Paint & Sip nights.

There is also a private pottery room for smaller groups. "We have children who have special educational needs that come to paint and we have a private room upstairs for people who need a quiet space,” explains Ruth.

Coffee n Clay also hosts special occasions of all kinds – from birthday parties and hen parties to baby and bridal showers.

The studio also offers takeaway painting kits so people can take their pottery items home to paint and then bring them back to the studio to be glazed and fired.

Ruth runs the business with the support of 11 part-time members of staff. “They’re a fantastic team — experienced, friendly, and genuinely welcoming,” she says. “It’s important to me that they get time to be creative too. Having their painted pieces around the studio makes it feel even more personal and inspiring.” 

What brings her the most joy is seeing what people are painting and getting to see their finished creations. “I see people come in who are feeling nervous and then they start painting and they relax,” says Ruth.

"When they come back to collect their piece 10 days later and then when they see it for the first time after it’s been glazed, they’re amazed by what they’ve done. That’s really nice to see,” she adds.

“We’re lucky to have many regular customers, and it’s wonderful to watch their confidence build with every visit as they produce more and more inspiring work.”

For more information, see coffeenclay.co.uk or www.facebook.com/coffeenclay.