Wheeling Pottery Studio Expands Despite Pandemic

Jan 21, 2021 | Art, Positively West Virginia, Retail

Despite the rise of COVID-19 and its effects on their everyday business structure, a local couple has sustained their homemade business. They are now expanding their space to triple the studio footprint’s size and increasing production even more. 

Beth and Adam Bedway, owners of East Wheeling Clayworks, are a couple of artists determined to help provide a space for those who don’t belong in an office or a construction trade. They often partner with West Virginia artists to feature and collaborate to help support the state’s art scene. The couple says that their pottery is designed to last and make the buyer feel connected to something they use every day. 

Adam said, “The WV economy is an interesting one, but not everyone can work in an office or do construction. We provide a good place where people can work with a different trade.” 

Jim Matuga, the host of the Positively West Virginia Podcast, had the pleasure of speaking with The Bedways. East Wheeling Clayworks began as a garage start-up, being sold at trade shows and festivals. Beth and Adam later took the dive and devoted all of their time to the business when they had very few bills and no children to support. However, a month into quitting their day jobs and opening the storefront, Beth found out that she was carrying the third addition to their family.

Now East Wheeling Clayworks is being sold all over the country. The small operation includes wholesale and one-of-a-kind items for your home that will last. They focus on everyday wear, but you can also find tasteful decor and house items to give your home an artistic touch. 

The couple attributes a lot of their success to the advice they’ve gathered from other established small businesses. Adam also claims that right now is the perfect time to be an artist because of social media. When Beth and Adam collaborate with other artists, they notice a whole new influx of followers and business they might not otherwise have had before. The time they spend with other people continually grows their network and, in turn, their business. 

Challenges throughout the pandemic have been abundant, but Beth and Adam have pulled through for various reasons. Following trends is one way that East Wheeling Clayworks stays top of mind for many pottery enthusiasts. The couple also works hard and continuously to make sure that they are producing enough to profit. Each day they set out a plan to keep things organized and set goals that keep the business on track. 

East Wheeling Clayworks is still growing because Adam and Beth combine hard work, creativity and hardiness into their pieces. This couple is proud of where they came from and are dedicated to helping West Virginia’s art culture grow along with their business. If you would like to help support this local small business, you can visit https://www.eastwheelingclayworks.com/

Listen to the full podcast here: https://positivelywv.com/podcast/episode-151-adam-and-beth-bedway-east-wheeling-clayworks/

PWV QUICK BITS | ADAM AND BETH BEDWAY

  • RECOMMENDED RESOURCE: Charles Sturt Psychology
  • PIECE OF ADVICE: “Learn when to say no,” said Adam. 

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