Take Lolly to the Next Level
Ceramics for All.
Project Description
So many of you have reached out to offer support for my growth and I’m so grateful to you for that. This fundraiser will help a Black woman-owned business continue its success by scaling up production, creating job(s) in the Columbus arts community, planning for the offering of classes and workshops in the future, and focusing on designing new and exciting pieces.
Lolly Lolly Ceramics is a small-scale, handmade ceramic design and production studio in Columbus Ohio, owned and operated by me, Lalese Stamps. I began my ceramics journey back in 2017, when a curiosity for a new hobby naturally blossomed into a full-blown ceramics business. I never really intended on starting a business, but people keep requesting my work so I keep making it.
For the past 3 years, I’ve worked full-time as a graphic designer while simultaneously growing my ceramics business. I’ve invested my own money in building my studio from the ground up in the basement of my home, and I used that space to design and produce all of my ceramics including what I am most known for: my 100 Day Project.
For the 100 Day Project, I made a new mug with a different handle for 100 days. Since the launch of the 100 Day Project in September 2019, Lolly Lolly has grown from an audience of 2,000 followers on Instagram to 80,000+ followers and growing. I’ve been featured in Sight Unseen, Colossal, Dwell, Popsugar, British Vogue, Architectural Digest and many other publications celebrating my work. Due to the rapid demand for Lolly Lolly Ceramics, now is the perfect time to transition into a new, larger studio.
Moving into a new space at the beginning of August is a great start, but in order to meet the continued demand for Lolly Lolly Ceramics I need new equipment, materials, and part-time help to take my business to the next level. I’ve created a full list of studio inventory needs along with prices to create full transparency around exactly what I need in the new space. That list can be accessed here.
I am so proud of Lolly Lolly and I can’t wait to see how this small business grows. With the help of my community I’m certain that I can make this dream come true. Thank you so much for your support!
Xoxo,
Lolly
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
What are your plans for these funds?
- These funds will go toward new equipment to enhance the production process at Lolly Lolly. They will also go toward hiring a part-time employee. A detailed list of inventory and prices can be found here.
What if I can't support monetarily?
- That's totally understandable. When I started planning for this fundraiser, I wasn't intending on the economy to be in the shape that it's in, but here we are. I encourage anyone who wants to give, to do whatever feels comfortable. Sharing the campaign on your social platforms or by word-of-mouth is a great way to help Lolly get to the next level.
How will a new kiln help your process?
- I took a risk by purchasing a used kiln 2 years ago. It has mostly worked in my favor, but unfortunately needs a lot of repairs and replacement parts to work properly. If I'm going to take Lolly to the next level, a reliable kiln is necessary.
How will a pugmill help your process?
- Instead of throwing away clay, a pugmill will allow me to recycle unused clay. I've never thrown away clay in my studio, but I've always tried to reuse clay that is leftover from wheel-throwing by leaving it out to dry on plaster. The pugmill produces wedged and air-free clay at a faster rate and increases the workability of the clay.
How will a jigger arm help your process?
- A jigger arm will allow me to scale up the production of dinnerware. All Lolly Lolly Ceramic pieces are handmade, but in order to maintain consistency, creating master molds of certain items will allow me to produce more pieces at a higher rate.
When will Lolly Lolly Ceramics be for sale again?
- September/October 2020
Will your studio be open to the public?
- The Lolly Lolly Ceramic's studio is a private production studio, but Lolly has long term goals to open a retail concept and a public studio for workshops and classes.
Just because I care...
I encourage anyone who wants to give, to do whatever feels comfortable. Sharing the campaign on your social platforms or by word-of-mouth is also a great way to help Lolly get to the next level. Everything helps.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, enjoy these custom Lolly stickers and a personalized Thank You card from owner and operator, Lalese Stamps.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy 10% off* your first purchase of Lolly Lolly Ceramics as well as a personalized 'Thank You' card.
*coupon code doesn't expire.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy a limited edition run of totes designed by Bad Client and printed by Upright Press.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy a limited edition run of tees designed by Bad Client and printed by Upright Press.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy a set of 2 black bowls as a new addition to your home collection. These bowls are tall and deep, perfect for ramen or literally whatever you want.
Ever wanted to learn how to throw clay on a wheel? Now is your opportunity. Get a one-on-one clay throwing lesson with Lolly herself. Limited entries available. Participant must be based in Columbus, OH.*
*we will not fund transportation/travel to studio
Rewards
Just because I care...
I encourage anyone who wants to give, to do whatever feels comfortable. Sharing the campaign on your social platforms or by word-of-mouth is also a great way to help Lolly get to the next level. Everything helps.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, enjoy these custom Lolly stickers and a personalized Thank You card from owner and operator, Lalese Stamps.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy 10% off* your first purchase of Lolly Lolly Ceramics as well as a personalized 'Thank You' card.
*coupon code doesn't expire.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy a limited edition run of totes designed by Bad Client and printed by Upright Press.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy a limited edition run of tees designed by Bad Client and printed by Upright Press.
Thank you for taking Lolly to the next level, please enjoy a set of 2 black bowls as a new addition to your home collection. These bowls are tall and deep, perfect for ramen or literally whatever you want.
Ever wanted to learn how to throw clay on a wheel? Now is your opportunity. Get a one-on-one clay throwing lesson with Lolly herself. Limited entries available. Participant must be based in Columbus, OH.*
*we will not fund transportation/travel to studio