In the heart of Stafford, two creative women, Libby and Pip, turned their shared love of clay into something much bigger than a personal hobby. With over 35 years of combined experience in ceramics and education, they opened Stafford Clay Studio — a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and discover the joy of pottery.
The studio quickly became more than a place to make pots. It grew into a hub of creativity and community, built on a simple but powerful goal: to help people fall in love with clay while creating a warm and inspiring environment.
But while their artistic expertise was exceptional, both Libby and Pip were stepping into new territory as first-time business owners. That’s when they discovered Good2Great’s High Street Boost programme designed to help small, independent businesses across Staffordshire grow with confidence.
Challenge
Like many new businesses on the high street, Stafford Clay Studio faced the familiar challenge of balancing creativity with commercial know-how.
New to business: Both had years of experience as artists and educators, but running a business required a new set of skills — pricing, marketing, and operations.
Building visibility: Establishing their name on the Stafford high street and attracting regular workshop attendees was essential in their early months.
Seeking reassurance: They were often making decisions based on instinct and personal experience and wanted an objective perspective from someone who’d been there before.
Becoming part of a wider community: Beyond the studio, Libby and Pip wanted to connect with other business owners in Stafford and contribute to the growth of the local economy.
As Pip explained,
“We signed up for the programme because we’re not only a new business, but also new to business. We wanted to pick up practical tips and connect with other business owners in Stafford.”
Solution
That’s where Good2Great’s High Street Boost came in — a programme created specifically to help local, independent businesses like Stafford Clay Studio strengthen their foundations, gain confidence, and grow sustainably.
1. One-to-one mentoring
Libby and Pip were paired with an experienced business mentor who visited their studio, offering an impartial and professional viewpoint.
As Libby shared,
“Having a mentor visit us in person was a game-changer. It gave us fresh eyes on our setup — not friends or family — which really boosted our confidence and helped us identify areas to improve.”
2. Workshops and peer learning
Through group sessions, they connected with other Stafford business owners, exchanging ideas and building valuable relationships. The discussions helped them realise they weren’t alone in their challenges and gave them practical steps to move forward.
3. Practical guidance and focus
From marketing strategies to operational planning, the sessions helped Libby and Pip strengthen the areas that mattered most in their early stage of growth — giving their business structure and clarity without losing its creative heart.
For Stafford Clay Studio, the results of taking part in High Street Boost have been transformative.
Greater confidence: The reassurance from their mentor confirmed they were on the right path while helping them refine their approach.
Smarter operations: They made targeted improvements to how the business was structured, ensuring a stronger foundation for future growth.
Community connection: Becoming part of the High Street Boost network made them feel supported and connected to other entrepreneurs working toward the same goal building a thriving local economy.
As Libby reflected,
“It’s been such a confidence boost to know we’re not alone. The support we’ve had through High Street Boost really strengthened our sense of community in Stafford.”
And Pip added,
“It reinforces that we all rise together. Having this kind of business support available locally has been such a positive experience.”
Testimonial
“I would highly recommend other small businesses get involved. It’s incredibly helpful to have outside input from people who understand what you’re facing as you establish your clientele.”
— Pip, Co-Founder, Stafford Clay Studio
Stafford Clay Studio’s story shows what can happen when creativity meets structure and community support. Libby and Pip had the skill and vision — and with Good2Great’s High Street Boost, they gained the tools, confidence, and local network to turn that vision into a thriving business.
If you’re an independent business owner in Staffordshire looking to strengthen your presence, grow your operations, or gain new perspective, reach out to Good2Great to learn more about High Street Boost and how it can help you take your next step forward.
