“If you have got an idea, then run with it and see where it goes. There may be people that won’t understand why you are hiring a professional photographer to shoot your studio when you can do it yourself but when the photos come out and they look amazing, you know there is value in it which can potentially help you grow your business.”

Jodie Louise

Founder of Carb Club

Our Urban Explorer

Could you please introduce yourself to our guests?

Hi! I’m Jodie, the founder of Carb Club and I run a pottery painting studio in London and sell my own ceramics.  

When did your interest in painting and ceramics begin?

As a child, I always enjoyed creating art and going to pottery painting cafés. During the pandemic, I bought a home kit from a local pottery painting café near me and designed my own pasta bowl and posted it on Instagram. I immediately received a number of responses from people that wanted to purchase it so that was when I really started to pursue this passion of mine.

Where did you come up with the inspiration for the Carb Club?

In the midst of lockdown, I started creating pasta bowls and selling them. The first batch sold out in 12 minutes when I posted about it on TikTok and throughout the year, I would do more limited edition drops. This gradually shifted into hosting music-themed pottery painting workshops that has now become a primary source of my business. In the beginning of my journey as a small business owner, I would ask a lot of people for advice. I would go right to the source, which was the pottery painting café I visited all the time, to find out what materials I needed to get the business started. By simply asking more questions, I was able to slowly find my way.

Could you tell us more about your “PYOP” concept?

When I first started these workshops wanted to create the same “bottomless brunch” concept, where they would be themed, and guests could get dressed up for the occasion and have a bit of fun!

What does a day in the life of Jodie Louise look like?

To be very honest, every day is quite different! Since I have my own studio nearby where I live, I like to spend a few days in the week at home to work on the admin side of the business and then I will go into the studio during the week to glaze everything and into the kiln for firing. On most weekends, I will host the pottery painting workshops so there is really never a dull moment!

What does” Urban Explorer” mean to you and how do you think you both fit into this term?

To me, an urban explorer is someone who is driven by curiosity and their passion in perfecting their craft or hobby. Believe it or not, ceramics and running a business in general is still fairly new to me and I am continuously learning on the job. Hence, I feel that exploring this sort of world and actually getting a better understanding of how things work is a form of exploration in and of itself.

Every Canvas Is A Journey

How did you come up with the name Carb Club for your brand?

When I was creating my own bowls in the very beginning, I had a vision of how I wanted it to look aesthetically – it would have bright, bold stripes around it and some text in the middle. At the time, I was making pasta bowls for my own use at home and for one of the bowls I wrote “Carb Club” and the other bowl had the text “Pasta Party” written on it. When I actually started the business, it just felt natural to settle on Carb Club and it just stuck!

How would you describe your own pottery style?

I would say humorous, bright and colourful.

What is your favourite painting party theme that you’ve hosted so far?

I would probably have to say Harry Styles or Taylor Swift just because I wasn’t a massive Taylor Swift Fan before I started. However, since hosting these three-hour-long workshops where we would listen to her music, front to back, she just started to grow on me.

Through your workshops, what do you hope your participants will take away from it?

In my workshops, I generally encourage people to come by themselves so they can meet new friends. Rather than having several different tables in my studio, I like to have one long table to motivate others to step outside of their comfort zone and chat with others. I also have a Facebook group called Carb Club community to allow for people to chat together about all things ceramics.

Is there any piece of pottery that holds significance or meaning to you?

The first piece of pottery I have ever made.

What are some popular pottery painting trends at the moment?

Lately, I have been noticing more fun-looking ceramics that consist of bolder, brighter colours and fruity themes that convey happiness and positivity. With these kinds of designs and colour palettes, a bowl or plate is not just simply for eating but it sparks joy.

What is the single best piece of advice you can give someone who is looking to follow in your footsteps in starting their own business?

I would say that you should follow your gut. If you have got an idea, then run with it and see where it goes. There may be people that won’t understand why you are hiring a professional photographer to shoot your studio when you can do it yourself but when the photos come out and they look amazing, you know there is value in it which can potentially help you grow your business. There are lots of little things that may seem insignificant to other people, but it was really helpful to me.

What do you love most about your job?

I would have to say that the flexibility of setting your own work hours is a great perk of working for yourself. I don’t have to stick to a certain schedule, and I can work for half the day or even take a day off in the week. It is quite nice!

Travel Inspiration

Where does your inspiration for travel come from?

I definitely find travel inspiration through Instagram, as well as asking people on Instagram where and what they would recommend. TikTok is also a great source of inspiration as well.

What other destinations are on your bucket list?

Italy is at the top of my list! I have always wanted to go to Rome and see the Colosseum. I also love Italian food so it would be such a treat to embark on a culinary journey across Italy. I would also love to visit Los Angeles, California because it seems so cool and relaxing there!

In 3 words, how would you describe London?

Big, Busy, Diverse

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