What started as a hobby has become a successful, scalable business for University of Staffordshire alumna Caroline Farnell-Smith.

The Pottery Cave began as a few workshops in a village hall. In April 2025 it was formally established as a limited company and it now has premises, a team of 12 staff and an ambitious but sustainable growth plan.

Financially, the business has achieved a 100%+ increase in turnover over the past 12 months, highlighting both commercial success and the scalability of its offering. Growth has been driven by diversified services, high customer demand and strong repeat business. Customer engagement has been equally impressive.

In the last year alone The Pottery Cave, based at Curborough Craft Centre in Lichfield, has delivered ceramics sessions to more than 10,000 customers, establishing itself as a leading creative experience provider in the region.

The Pottery Cave is a creative pottery studio and community hub offering pottery classes, workshops and bespoke ceramic products. Originally established as a grassroots community initiative operating from village halls, the studio was created to make ceramics accessible, social and enjoyable for everyone.

The business has seen rapid growth in bookings, repeat customers and external events. Its appeal extends beyond the local area, attracting international visitors from countries including China, New Zealand, Spain, the Netherlands and India. A commemorative ceramic plate created at the studio was taken to the United States for Thanksgiving celebrations.

The Pottery Cave offers a diverse and expanding range of ceramics experiences, including handbuilding lessons, wheel-throwing sessions, weekly wellbeing workshops and private parties. These are delivered across two dedicated studio spaces—one focused on clay experiences and the other specialising in paint-a-pot sessions.

Demand for classes and workshops has exceeded initial expectations, leading to the introduction of additional sessions, extended opening hours and availability across evenings and weekends. The business has also introduced structured beginner-to-advanced courses, corporate team-building workshops and bespoke commissions for both individuals and organisations

The long-term vision is for The Pottery Cave to become a recognised regional centre for ceramics, creativity and wellbeing—contributing meaningfully to the local creative economy while enhancing community connection and mental wellbeing.

The Pottery Cave has entered the Start-up Business of the Year and Small Business of the Year categories of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.