Recycled Glass Pottery Business, Paloma Pottery, Thrives Through the Ages With Its 14th Birthday Celebration
Ferndale, WA (PRWEB) January 02, 2014 -- At the turn of the century, humanity was wondering if worldwide computer systems would crash, disrupting business affairs, and cause general mayhem. Was the world ending? Indeed, one era was ending and a new one was beginning. Out of this chaos was born an online company with sound ecological ethics, imaginative resourcefulness and good, old-fashioned business sense. A woman in the far northwest corner of the United States was pondering parallel problems of pollution, corporate corruption and consumerism. The past decade has seen a revolution in the local, the small-scale and the handmade - and Paloma Pottery embodies all of these qualities and more.
PalomaPottery.com Founder Nicole Whitney reflects, "I started with the realization of how important pottery and clay is for me on a personal level, but I really embraced the challenges of the business and social level as well; I love working directly with clients on custom made pieces. That is my favorite,” Whitney said. “I wanted to make a difference in the business world, in terms of how business is done. I was inspired by the work of Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, who was doing amazing work in sustainability and social activism through her store. Her success inspired me to achieve the same kind of socially important role in the business world."
Whitney's early exposure to the internet, through her father, working in the computer industry, laid the foundation for a belief in the potential of green commerce online. “After my first art festival, I saw how easy it is to sell, and I knew I had a winning combination (glass pottery) to go with,” she recalls. Thus, even amidst the recession of 2008, Paloma Pottery continued to grow as a strong online presence. This marvel filled Whitney with joy at having an online store and she understood the green aspect of the business put it at center stage.
Over the years, Paloma has grown through the phases of many small businesses, including holiday markets, etsy, craft fairs and onward. It was here that a rapport with customers was established - a skill any successful business requires. In 2008, Paloma Pottery began selling at Whole Foods Markets. By 2011, Paloma's line was showing up in museum stores and co-ops throughout the northwest. Over time, Whitney found that the audience for her product actually had a much wider base, and online sales starting coming in from far and wide.
"Locally, I have found that the work lends itself well to "other abled" members of the community - and those with varying skills have become valuable assets to the Paloma team," said Whitney. Workers who otherwise struggle with "disabilities" in the work world have found a welcome home in the many tasks on custom recycled glass pottery: cookie cutting, hand-building activities, wrapping for shipment or packaging, assembling cork bumpers, etc. Whitney finds there is always a new way to make an impact for good, whether on the global or small-scale level. This drive keeps the quality production going on into a new era.
"It is a very modern world now, in terms of purchasing habits for consumers,” she remarks. Orders through Paloma Pottery now come in through hand-held devices, tablets and iPhones. In less than 10 minutes, a shopper can choose, buy and send a quality, handmade eco-friendly gift or piece for the home. This has revolutionized the way Paloma does business. "We are always ready to meet a custom order or to ship from our existing line. It has expanded our season to be nearly year round," Whitney said. The newly updated PalomaPottery.com website brings all the joys of a modern website, while still holding dear the original principles the company was founded on.
To celebrate the landmark of 14 years in business, Paloma Pottery is holding a special promotion on Candle Holders and 100% Beeswax Candle gift packages. Visit PalomaPottery.com to see the details. So enjoy a celebration and toast to the delights and surprises of time!
About Paloma Pottery:
Paloma Pottery has been online for 13 years now, and the mark of endurance shines through its work. Continually improving and expanding her line, Founder Nicole Whitney has grown Paloma Pottery into a thriving artisan presence. For those who are seeking exceptional quality gifts with a unique, eco-friendly design as well as solid business ethics, PalomaPottery.com is the place. For more information, please visit http://www.palomapottery.com or call 877-669-0783.
Nicole Whitney, Paloma Pottery, http://www.palomapottery.com, +1 (877) 669-0783 Ext: 5, [email protected]
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