From Boardroom to Bisque: Former Corporate Employee Finds Fulfillment in pottery
Asheville, NC – September 28, 2025 – A growing number of professionals are trading demanding corporate careers for entrepreneurial pursuits, seeking greater work-life balance and creative fulfillment. One such story unfolds in Asheville, North Carolina, where Sarah Jones, formerly a marketing executive, has launched a thriving pottery business after leaving the corporate world. Her journey reflects a broader trend of individuals reassessing their priorities and embracing alternative career paths, particularly in the wake of pandemic-era shifts in work culture.
Jones’s decision wasn’t sudden, but a culmination of years spent feeling increasingly disconnected from her work. After a decade in marketing, she found herself experiencing burnout and a longing for a more tangible and creative outlet. “I was successful by customary measures, but I felt empty,” Jones explained. “I needed to create something with my hands, something real.” This sentiment is echoed by many who are leaving high-pressure jobs in search of purpose and autonomy. The rise of e-commerce and platforms like etsy have also lowered the barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs, making it easier to launch and scale small businesses.
In early 2024, Jones began taking pottery classes in the evenings, initially as a hobby.The tactile process of working with clay proved therapeutic and ignited a passion she hadn’t known she possessed. By late 2024, she had developed a distinct style and a growing collection of pieces. She officially left her corporate position in February 2025, dedicating herself full-time to “Mud & Maker,” her pottery business.
Operating out of a home studio, Jones creates functional stoneware – mugs, bowls, plates – and decorative pieces, selling primarily online and at local craft fairs.Demand for her work has steadily increased, fueled by social media marketing and word-of-mouth referrals. Jones reports that her income now matches her previous salary, but the benefits extend far beyond financial gain. “The stress level is dramatically lower, and I’m genuinely excited to go to work every day,” she says. “I’m building something I believe in.”
