E3 | Alisha's Story – From Art Teacher to Full-Time Pottery Artist

In this episode of Mugs & Marketing, we're sharing Alisha's entrepreneurial journey and how she went from elementary art teacher to full-time pottery artist.What started as a degree in animation eventually led to a career in education, a free kiln, a classroom full of curious students, and an unexpected love for clay.Alisha shares the twists and turns that led her to leave teaching, start selling pottery, join art markets, and build a handmade business from her backyard studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico.If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to start something new, or if your creative path has taken a few unexpected turns, this episode is for you.In This EpisodeGrowing up as the "artsy twin"Attending art school for animationWhy animation wasn't the right career fitGoing back to school for art educationTeaching high school and elementary artLearning pottery alongside her studentsThe free kiln that changed everythingLeaving a stable teaching careerStarting a pottery business from scratchSelling at art markets and onlineFinding community as a creative entrepreneurFavorite Takeaway"You don't have to start doing the thing you're known for when you're five years old."One of the biggest themes of this episode is that creative careers are rarely linear. Sometimes your future business comes from an unexpected hobby, opportunity, or curiosity that appears much later in life.Mentioned in This EpisodeAlisha Hagen ArtWebsite: https://alishahagenart.comInstagram: @alishahagenartAshley HagenWebsite: https://ashesyoga.comInstagram: @ashesyogaComing Up NextNow that you've heard both of our stories, we're moving into more specific creative business topics, including schedules, productivity, multiple income streams, marketing, and the realities of running a business as a creative entrepreneur.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and share it with a fellow artist, maker, or creative business owner.