My Biz: The Potter’s Obsession thriving after 15 years in business

Michelle Kline always wanted to own a small business.

So when a visit to Des Moines introduced her to the paint-your-own pottery concept, she jumped at the opportunity to bring a similar space to Cedar Rapids.

'There wasn't anything like that here in Cedar Rapids at the time so I called up (the store in) Des Moines and asked them to share their story of how they got started.”

Fifteen years ago, Kline, who comes from a marketing and advertising background, opened The Potters' Obsession in a small strip mall on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids.

'When I first opened we were crazy busy, just gangbusters,” she said, noting that people really liked the idea of coming in and picking out their own ceramic item to paint.

The Potters' Obsession has about 150 items in stock, ranging from bowls, mugs and plates (all food safe) to coin banks, coasters and animal figurines. Halloween and Christmas items are especially popular right now.

'We help you get set up so you can do the work,” Kline explained. 'When you are finished painting you leave your piece here so we can glaze and fire it in our kiln and then you pick it up a week later.”

One of the things she loves most about the concept is that it interests girls and boys of all ages.

'We host a lot of birthday parties,” she said.

Other groups come in for corporate team building exercises, bridal and baby showers, bachelorette parties, and moms' night out events.

'It's amazing how much kids, everyone really, open up and talk while they are working,” Kline said. 'We have people come on dates here because it's easy to get good conversation going over art.”

She tells customers that being a skilled artist isn't a requirement.

'You don't have to be an artist by any means to come and enjoy this,” she said. 'We can share tricks to make something look really cool with not a lot of effort.”

Kline said people often comment that she must have fun painting all day.

'I'm a terrible painter actually,” she laughed. 'I am not often making things but if I do, they are typically gifts.”

Kline doesn't just assist customers in the studio. She also pays the bills, loads the kiln and places orders for new products. She has a team of about six part time employees - many of whom came to The Potters' Obsession to paint when they were younger.

Flexibility is one of the things Kline enjoys most about owning her own business.

'I have been lucky because this has allowed me to spend time with my kids,” she said.

She also enjoys and appreciates her customers.

'The people who come in are just great,” she said. 'I especially love when they make handprint items, like on a plate or something. I always wish I was there when that grandparent or whoever is receiving the gift gets to open it because they are such unique treasures. I love anything with sentimental value.”

Kline said she's proud to have been open as long as she has.

'After 9/11 happened our business really changed,” she said. 'It is easy to panic when you run a small business. But I feel pretty blessed because I've seen a lot of businesses come and go over the years. I just didn't give up even when I maybe should have. I feel lucky to be part of this community and hope to be for a lot longer.”

AT A GLANCE

' Name: Michelle Kline

' Title: Owner

' Company: The Potters' Obsession

' Address: 1941 51st St. NE, Cedar Rapids

' Phone: (319) 743-9824

' Website: www.thepottersobsession.com/