Meet Gina DeSantis | Owner, Artist

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

Hi Gina, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have been a potter for over twenty years but I officially established my business in 2013. My business began as a combination of a classroom space while I worked on selling my ceramics wholesale and retail. The classroom space was needed in the Cleveland area. I began working with a large retailer in my first year of business. This format worked until the pandemic. In 2020 I ceased operation of the classroom space and never re-opened. This was not due to lack of success or need but rather a shift in the wholesale orders. Wholesale shows that were in person quickly pivoted to online platforms. I was able to gain orders from major retailers such as Anthropologie, McGee & Co, Shoppe Amber Interiors and the Sundance Catalog. This coupled with over 400 smaller accounts helped move my business into a different direction. I now make artwork full time.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I began taking ceramics courses at community college and quickly changed my major from graphic design to fine arts. I completed my BA at Cleveland State then MFA at Kent State. I was fortunate to have amazing professors guide my artwork.

Nothing about running a business is easy at first. You learn a lot of what not do do. Each year I scrap some ideas and build upon what worked. There is value is both lessons. The hardest challenge for myself has been funding. I have received some loans and grants to help my business grow but most of this has been through my efforts.

I want people to know hard work pays off but you have to be willing to pivot and adapt to your market. My business survived the pandemic and is now surviving a volatile market with rising prices.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I always take visitors to the Cleveland Museum of Art. We are fortunate to have such an amazing museum along with all of the other stops in University Circle. I always stop at L’albatross for dinner after. It’s my favorite restaurant in the city. I live in Lakewood and I love its walkability. There are amazing shops and restaurants to check out. My favorite shops are Salty not Sweet and Mishi Lakewood. I love Nature’s Oasis for breakfast and Taco Tontos for a happy hour margarita.

I have two rescue dogs so we do spend a lot of time hiking in the Metroparks. I love to hit Blackbird Baking on my way out of the park. They have great sweet treats, breads and dog treats! I also love to bike along the trails and lake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a handful of experiences that shaped me as an artist and entrepreneur. In 2006 I earned my Master of Fine Arts from Kent State University. This taught me the discipline of a studio practice. I worked different jobs until starting my business. I was a visual merchandiser which has helped me style my work for photoshoots, wholesale markets and marketing purposes. I worked with Bad Girl Ventures (now Aviatra Accelorators) to win a business loan. They paired us with business advisors that helped us steer our businesses in the right direction. I also received a loan from ECDI to help fund equipment and space expansion. Cleveland has a robust show scene and thanks should go to the show organizers and customers who help support local businesses. Cleveland is amazing when it comes to showing small businesses love and support.

Website: https://www.ginadesantisceramics.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginadesantisceramics

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/GinaDeSantis

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/gina_d_ceramics

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinaDeSantisCeramics

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/GinaDeSantisCeramics

Image Credits
Gina DeSantis (Styled artwork photos) Whitney Traylor (photo of me working)