March 31st. 2022. Hi. This is difficult news to share but know that is coming directly from my confused but certain and overwhelmed core.

This studio will be closing its doors next month. The last day of business will be April 14th.

What difficult words to say out loud. As a community focused space, these past two years have been very challenging and draining. The excitement of moving to a new studio space, with plans to grow this business with the opportunity to open the doors to more of you as students and clay enthusiasts was quickly broken down into survival mode, trying to keep everyone, including myself, healthy and safe.

I am physically and mentally exhausted and with an expiring lease and an impending rent increase, it is time to say goodbye to this space and business.

For those new here, this is where things get tricky. Ceramics is what I do and the only thing I want to do. I love producing pieces for you to use in your home and I love teaching you how to produce your own. So with a small break to regroup, catch my breath and figure life out, the plan is to open up a smaller studio, operating as myself (Michelle (a.k.a. Mima Ceramics.) Small classes will happen, most likely in a different manner than how they were operating through this studio, but they will continue. Memberships and day passes will not be happening and I am so sorry for this.

This city, its rent and expenses is wild and the opportunity to welcome in an arts focused, female run business has been challenged by every single landlord I have dealt with. With 8 years running a successful business under my belt, this is so very frustrating to deal with. I am sad for this city, for the uphill bumpy road lots of creatives have to take to try to realize their dreams, where burnout and devaluing of their work is so common, especially these days. But I am hopeful something good will come out of this, accepting that change is ok and as they say, things will work out.

For those currently in classes, your sessions will not be affected. All work will be finished and ready for pickup before we close, or else other arrangements will be made. For all of my past students, thank you for your excitement and enthusiasm despite your frustrations in trying to learn a new, difficult craft. Thank you to all the past guest instructors we have had over the years. For all of the studio's past members, thank you for welcoming this studio into your daily lives. For my current members, a big sincere thank you for accepting this information, despite how challenging and difficult your transition to a new studio space will be and for still asking how I am doing. To my amazingly generous studio techs over the years, you were such an important part of this studio - thank you.

To all current and future clients and customers of my ready made ceramics, this is just a little pause. Please stick around. The online shop through the studio will be open until the 14th.

Business plans can not prepare you for what is to come and I don't think I was prepared for this journey. Opening up a business is challenging, closing up one, a whole new ballgame.

Please continue to pay attention here as well as over at my personal account for all the studio updates. Your patience is very welcomed during this time as I figure out all the details moving forward.

Email is open for any questions (please don't dm.) My hands might be covered in clay most of the time, but I will get back to you if/when I have the answer.

xx

THANK YOU for a great 8+ years!
Michelle

ps. if you are a landlord with a vacancy, reach out. This artist needs a new studio space! Any and all opportunities welcomed!

By day, we are a full service ceramic studio in Toronto.  We welcome makers from all levels to hone their ideas, learn new skills and be part of our vibrant, inspiring community.  We believe in learning by doing, so our regular business hours are non-instructional.  We provide you with the tools, you do the rest.   However, we are here for you every step of the way.  We offer materials and firing, as well as light guidance on site to make the entire process easy and seamless.  

In addition to providing you with the open studio space to create, we offer a variety of different workshops in ceramics, all of which can be found one online here.

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