How the Therapeutic Powers of Pottery Shaped a Business

There couldn’t be a better name than “Bumpy Roads” for the creator, Marie-Joseé Lévesque’s, home-based pottery studio. As an art form, Pottery is fraught with peril; things can go wrong. Pottery is also an art form that embraces optimism, following the “bumps” towards paths less taken. Located in Pembroke, Ontario, Bumpy Road Studios was started during a global pandemic. While far from a mere “bump”, its journey as a business has been moulded by this spirit of optimism.

Lévesque had long used Pottery as a therapeutic tool. For her,  

“The process of centring clay and centring the mind are linked.”  

Though it was in March 2020, she felt the need to share this passion. Sharing is pivotal to how Lévesque expresses her love for “throwing.” From the beginning of July to the end of August, Lévesque shares in her Summer Claycation, a full week of classes where all can learn and create; she shares in her creations of spoons, mugs, and bowls; and she shares every season with 10-week classes. Her mission: 

 “I made a drastic decision to turn it into a business. I now teach classes so that others can centre (pun intended) and explore their creativity while working on my production.” 

And it was the ShopHERE powered by Google program that shared in the development of Levesque’s online store. Not unlike the pieces that leave her studio, this was her creation. ShopHERE allowed Lévesque to concentrate on her craft while experts leveraged world-leading eCommerce platforms. Providing a wealth of resources, links and guides, ShopHERE supported her through the ever-expansive world of digital marketing. Using the tools that she has learned she, 

 “Can reach customers anywhere!”  

Her efforts have been answered, as she was recently nominated for this year's best Hobby, Toy and Game Store in all of Renfrew County! As any owner will tell you, digitally transforming your business is a daunting task, but with the help of her upbeat and efficient eCommerce Coordinator Lévesque's journey was easy.  As Lévesque shares, 

“Get working on the digital transformation of your business right away. COVID-19 is changing consumer behaviour for the long term and there is help available now to support your business transformation. Don't delay and strike when the iron is hot.” 

Are you interested in one of Bump Road Studios’ classes? Or one of Levesque's creations? Click here to visit their website. Want to learn more about the ShopHERE Powered by Google Program? Click here.