We had the good fortune of connecting with Tara Brewer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tara, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In my 20s, I worked at a Paint Your Own Pottery (PYOP) studio and fell in love with every aspect of the experience, both as a customer and as an employee. My journey began as a customer, but I cherished my time working in the studio just as much. It sparked a dream in me to one day open my own studio.

Fast forward to 2017: after an 11-year career as a litigation paralegal, I felt a strong desire for a new direction. I knew I wanted to start a Paint Your Own Pottery studio, but the idea of leasing a space was daunting due to the costs and risks involved. That’s when I had an epiphany: why not bring the PYOP experience directly to people’s homes? This would not only minimize my risk but also create a more enjoyable, convenient experience for customers.

While the thought of starting a business felt overwhelming at first, once I committed to my vision, everything started to unfold naturally. Based on my own experiences as a customer, I believed wholeheartedly that painting pottery in the comfort of one’s home, without time constraints, would be something people would truly love!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What truly sets my mobile Paint Your Own Pottery business apart is the convenience and flexibility we offer. Unlike traditional studios, I bring the entire experience directly to the customer’s location—whether it’s a birthday party, corporate event, or a ladies’ night. This means no travel hassles or time constraints; we create a personalized pottery experience right in your own space.

I provide all the necessary supplies, from pottery pieces to paints and brushes, ensuring everything is set up for a seamless experience. Customers can also choose from customizable options, whether they want a curated party package or hands-on workshop. For those who prefer a more independent DIY approach, we provide to-go kits and boxes suitable for any group size, big or small so you can enjoy creativity at your own pace, in your own space!

My mission is to make creativity accessible and enjoyable, allowing customers to tailor their experience exactly how they want it. By focusing on ease and personalization, I aim to create memorable moments that cater to individual needs, making it a unique and stress-free experience for everyone involved!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m definitely more of a homebody, so if my best friend came to visit, we’d spend plenty of time relaxing at home—especially with our new pool in the backyard! When we’re not lounging poolside, we’d venture out to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and explore some of the fantastic wineries in Ramona and Escondido. Since I love being outdoors, we’d also tackle my two favorite hikes in Poway: Iron Mountain and Mt. Woodson for some stunning views and a good workout. And, of course, we’d have to hit up my favorite sushi spot, Kotobuki, more than once—it’s simply too good to pass up!

No trip to San Diego is complete without some time spent along the coast. We’d head to Torrey Pines Natural Reserve for its incredible hiking trails and sweeping ocean vistas, followed by a relaxing beach day at Torrey Pines State Beach. You can’t let an East Coaster miss out on a classic West Coast beach experience! Another must on our coastal itinerary would be La Jolla Cove for sea lion watching and some fun water activities.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to give a heartfelt shoutout to my husband, John! He’s not just my sounding board for all things business and beyond; he’s my unwavering supporter in everything I do, including the launch of this business. I couldn’t have embarked on this journey without his encouragement and belief in me!

Website: https://www.thekraftycaterer.com

Instagram: @thekraftycaterer

Facebook: https://facebook.com/thekraftycaterer

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FlatBottleWineShop

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.