A West Dorset ceramicist has established a new studio business near Charmouth, combining product sales with workshops as part of a deliberately diversified start-up model.
Christoffers
Amelia Christoffers launched Clay and Salt Ceramics in May 2025, initially running the venture alongside part-time retail work before moving to full-time within three months.
The studio now generates income through a mix of ceramic sales, private tuition and group courses, with teaching built into the core offer to create a more consistent revenue stream and local customer base.
Drawing on a background as a freelance florist in London, she produces ceramics designed for ikebana-style arrangements, focusing on minimal, low-waste floral display.
‘You don’t need huge displays,’ she says. ‘A single bloom can have the same impact.’
The studio was supported by a £3,000 Start Up Loan, funding essential equipment including a potter’s wheel, materials and fit-out, allowing the business to launch fully equipped rather than scaling gradually.
Workshops attract individuals, families and groups, with the social element proving a key draw. ‘People enjoy learning together,’ she says.
Now operating full-time, Clay and Salt Ceramics reflects a growing trend in rural Dorset towards small creative businesses combining making with experience-led services.
