Southern Fire and Clay
Southern Fire and Clay: Sparking Creativity in Southern Illinois
In the heart of Carbondale, Illinois, Southern Fire and Clay is bringing art to life with its whimsical ceramics painting, canvas art, and clay-building activities. This family-owned and operated business offers a creative haven for all ages, specializing in children’s art education and engagement programs for seniors. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a team-building event, or just looking for a fun activity, Southern Fire and Clay promises to make every gathering an unforgettable “artsy” experience.
The studio, opening in January 2025, will serve Carbondale and neighboring communities, welcoming art enthusiasts to explore their creativity through paintable pottery and canvas painting options. Owner Sam Taylor has a clear vision: “We want to be the premier paint-your-own-pottery studio for Southern Illinois and the go-to choice for local youth organizations seeking engaging enrichment activities.”
When Sam Taylor set out to open Southern Fire and Clay, she turned to the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at SIU for guidance. Sam was initially nervous about navigating the complexities of forming an LLC and setting up tax accounts with the State of Illinois.
“My experience has been excellent! Michael [Jessup] and Yemisi [Anderson] have offered guidance from my LLC formation through marketing and connecting me with community resources for accounting and insurance,” Sam shared.
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, Sam took advantage of several no-cost workshops offered by the SBDC, including Marketing Unleashed, the business workshops included in the Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions, and the Carbondale Accelerator Program.
The 10-week Carbondale Accelerator Program was particularly transformative. The course provides step-by-step guidance on business registration, planning, financials, branding, marketing, and online presence. Graduates receive $1,250 in funding and can pitch for additional awards. Sam delivered an award-winning pitch, earning her $2,500 in prize money for securing second place.
Through the assistance of the SBDC, Sam successfully established her LLC and is on track to open the doors of Southern Fire and Clay next month. The studio aims to become a cornerstone for creative expression in Southern Illinois, fostering a love for art in children, adults, and seniors alike.
“Our vision is to be the premier paint-your-own pottery studio for Southern Illinois and front of mind for local youth organizations for engaging enrichment activities,” Sam said.
With its focus on community, creativity, and connection, Southern Fire and Clay is set to spark joy and inspiration across Carbondale and beyond.
Learn more about Southern Fire and Clay:
facebook.com/southernfireandclay
instagram.com/southernfireandclay