Turning A Passion for Ceramics into a Thriving Business
Meet Debbie Foster, our February Client of the month. Debbie, the founder of Poterie Foster, is not just a business owner—she’s a passionate ceramic artist. Her journey with pottery began over seven years ago as a hobby in the Eastern Townships, where she trained under renowned potter Robin Badger. From that first spin on the wheel, she was hooked. Today, Debbie specializes in wheel-thrown ceramics, crafting clean, minimalist pieces that blend elegance with functionality.
From Hobby to Profession: Debbie’s Artistic Journey in Ceramics
YES: When did you start your artistic journey and what were some of your goals when you started?
Debbie: I started my artistic journey in 2017 in the Eastern Townships. I had just moved to the countryside from Montreal and was looking for a creative outlet outside my corporate professional life and a way to build connections within the community. I’d always been interested in pottery and I finally started exploring it. I took pottery classes with Robin Badger in Ouest Bolton for 3 years. It was the best.
She’s technically a strong teacher and her space is magic. I made lifelong friends as well side by side on the wheel.
Building Confidence and Expanding Her Craft
YES: What stage are you at now? What have been your greatest achievements?
Debbie: A lot has changed! I moved back to Montreal, took many ceramics workshops here and in Ontario and bought my own wheel and kiln. In terms of skill, I’m always learning and not one thing sticks out. I get braver and more autonomous each year – making larger pieces, getting braver with glazes, managing my own kiln. My capabilities grow in ceramics each year.
YES: What were/are your biggest struggles?
I didn’t go to art school and started ceramics as a hobby. That impacts my confidence at times.
Seeking Professional Guidance for Business Growth
YES: What was the problem you were experiencing before you came into YES?
Debbie: I had big dreams and needed help!
I bought a small triplex in Lachine and wanted to use the first floor space to open a ceramics gallery and studio. I have a business background, yet I needed guidance on opening a brick and mortar space along with understanding grants and becoming more immersed in the art world. I’d always known about YES Montreal and decided to give it a try. Last November, I opened my gallery Poterie Foster, which offers high value ceramics and functional pottery from an array of artists.
How YES Montreal Helped Her Succeed
YES: What did you find as a result of using our services? What was the best thing about it?
My coach Caroline is spectacular. Her knowledge is vast – she has business and art acumen and is very thoughtful in how she gives advice. She connected me with fellow ceramists in her network, gave great advice on how I could build connections, and was the perfect sounding board for the year leading up to the launch of the gallery. I picked her brain on my media releases, my consignment agreements with artists, my space layout, financial opportunities… you name it we discussed it. I feel such a connection to her now and cannot have imagined being at the stage I am at without her guidance. Our monthly catch-ups are grounding, help me refocus and I always come away with another perspective or angle to explore. We’re now looking at this important first year of business together.
Why Debbie Recommends YES Montreal to Artists & Entrepreneurs
YES: How do you feel about the service you have received from YES?
I cannot recommend YES Montreal enough. The cost is minimal and I’m grateful such services exist.
YES: Do you have any other thoughts you would like to share?
I like that YES Montreal coaching services allow you to choose a coach that fits your needs, and then you can also leverage other coaches’ expertise for a particular question or challenge, if needed. The expertise within the group is diverse which is important for small businesses.
I recommend people seek out as much support as possible from anywhere you can when starting a business, and with an open mind. Sometimes we don’t even know what we need until we start exploring what’s out there.
To find out more about Debbie and Poterie Foster, click here.
Ready to take your art business to the next level? Contact YES Montreal today and start your journey! To learn more about our services for Artists, click here.