In this episode of our Artisan Mentoring Sessions, I sat down with Billie from Billie Wagtail Pottery, a ceramic artist based in regional Queensland. Billie’s handmade pieces—often inspired by birds, sunflowers, and native flora—are as joyful and unique as the artist behind them. But like many creatives, Billie is currently navigating the very real tension between ambition and capacity.
With a young toddler at home, a part-time job, and a deep desire to grow her handmade ceramics business, Billie came to this session ready to get clarity on what to prioritise and how to create sustainable, regular sales.
"I have big dreams and limited time... I’m doing all my business stuff when my toddler naps, a bit at night, and early mornings." – Billie
And if you're a handmade maker who’s ever wondered "How do I grow without burning out?", you’ll find plenty of golden takeaways in this real, honest, and inspiring session.
🎥 Watch the full video to hear Billie’s journey and the practical advice we uncovered together.
Business Goals (And the Creative Juggle)
Billie came to our call with something pretty rare: a clear, concise business plan.
"Before I had my son, I worked full-time as an agronomist. Project management, deadlines, and milestones were a big part of my role—and I still work part-time while studying a business course."
This level of planning is amazing to see from a handmade artist—but Billie was the first to admit the struggle lies in implementation.
Her goals?
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Sell more ready-made ceramics online
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Continue with custom commissions (which she loves)
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Eventually run in-person workshops
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Develop collector-style collections (birds, insects, native themes)
But with only 10-ish hours a week to dedicate to her business, the real question was: where should she focus first to get traction?
Moments from the Mentoring Session
Real quotes, real moments, and insights you can apply to your own handmade business.
Prioritising as a Time-Poor Maker
🕒 [00:00:54]
"I have big dreams and limited time... I’m doing all my business stuff when my toddler naps, a bit at night, and early mornings."
🕒 [00:04:41]
"I want to do all the things—but I know I’ll stretch myself too thin. I want to focus on what’s working but still have room to experiment."
Takeaway: Focus on the things that bring both income and joy. Let creativity play in the background, but build consistent habits around proven products like Billie’s custom pieces and sunflower bowls.
Showing The Functional Use of Ceramics
🕒 [00:15:36]
"People often say, ‘I don’t want to use it in case I break it.’ But I use them every day—they go in the dishwasher, they’re durable! I need to show that more."
Takeaway: Customers need to see your handmade products in real-life use. Billie’s next step? Content that shows her ceramics in action: holding snacks, being washed, living life.
Understand Your Ideal Customer
🕒 [00:09:58]
"I’ve had both younger buyers and older women with disposable income... I think I need to dig into my data and figure out who’s really buying."
Takeaway: If you're trying to speak to everyone, you're really speaking to no one. Billie’s lightbulb moment was realizing she might be attracting both her younger self and her mum’s generation—each needing different messaging.
Why Pretty Doesn’t Always Sell
🕒 [00:11:24]
"Some of the things I thought would sell, didn’t move at all. The sunflower bowls took ages to paint, but barely got seen."
🕒 [00:11:50]
"How much did I promote it? Not enough."
Takeaway: Even your best work needs the spotlight. Billie learned that promotion isn't just about posting once—it's about building a story around the piece.
Building Collections That Grow with Your Customers
🕒 [00:17:44]
"I’d love to do limited edition collections—birds, insects, rural scenes. Maybe even a plate-of-the-month club or a collector's membership someday!"
Takeaway: Limited series and themed drops help your audience anticipate your next release. Plus, they're a powerful way to create a sense of collectability and connection.
What’s Next for Billie?
At the end of our session, I asked Billie what she was going to take action on first.
Her answer?
"I’m going to work on content that shows my pieces as functional—not just pretty. And I need to go back and really figure out who my customer is."
And that’s exactly the kind of small, powerful shift that leads to big results.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It All
If you’re an artist, maker, or handmade business owner feeling like you’re being pulled in too many directions, you’re not alone. Billie’s story is a perfect example of how clarity, structure, and community support can help you move forward (without the burnout).
Over to You:
What’s one product you could show in a more functional, real-world way this week?
Drop your thoughts below or come chat with us in the Madeit private seller group.
✨ Not a member yet? Join Madeit today and discover a community of Australian makers who get it—and are growing together.
