Paint Your Own Pottery at The Old Dairy Studios
When the election loomed, and budget cuts put her job as a civil servant at risk, Jo Gibson decided to give herself a fall-back option and started up a pottery painting business in Oxted, Surrey.
It opened its doors for the first time in April 2010 and has gradually gained a reputation for being a friendly, relaxing studio where children have fun and adults let the creativity (often unrealised) flow.
Jo's background is in marketing; and has worked for central government, education and publishing sectors. However, she has found that text-book marketing strategies do not work in small towns and villages like Oxted.
The only thing that truly works is word of mouth; someone comes in, has a good experience, and tells their friends about what a great studio it is - it's that simple! We make sure every feels welcome - my staff enjoy working at the studios and it reflects on the level of service they give customers.
The studios sells blank pottery pieces for customers to paint using underglaze colours. The studios glaze them and fire them on site, ready for collection a few days later.
The studios has a separate picnic themed party room, complete with gingham table 
cloths and bunting (and feathers!) adorning the walls.
Children are invited to delve into the dressing up box and use the vintage china for birthday teas…..it's all very girly!
As well as pottery painting the studio has a potters wheel, runs clay classes, stocks decopatch products, and is about to launch an online shop selling up-cycled glass and bone china.
The studio can accommodate up to 36 people in their two studios and offer hugely discounted prices for youth groups (schools, youth clubs, Scouts, Explorers, Rainbows, Brownies etc.). And there is always something for the grown-ups with birthday gatherings, mums nights out or just for fun!
The Old Dairy Studios hosts ladies evenings by appointment and can help you put a different twist to wedding breakfasts - bring your hen party to The Old Dairy Studios for coffee and croissants and have a fun time painting.
Charity Night - 11 October 2012
The studios will be hosting a charity food demonstration using Pampered 
Chef products on 11th October from 7pm.
Professional local baker, Danielle Stobart will be making free nibbles for guests to enjoy with a free glass of wine.
A raffle prize of £100 worth of blank pottery to paint at the studios will be raffled.
Guest can also paint pottery or try decopatch.
Proceeds will be donated The Children's Trust, Tadworth.
www.theolddairystudios.co.uk
Tel: 01883 370231