Pottery Burn Becomes Brush & Co.
In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet asks the question, “What’s in a name?” She is confused over her love of Romeo and the animosity her family has for his family. She understands the import a name has and all it brings with it.
“What’s in a name?” is the same question a person asks when starting a business. What name will catch a consumer’s eye and be easy for them to recall? While that question has an impact when starting a business, it has an even greater impact when changing a business’s name in rebranding. That change comes with a risk, but when a business owner has a plan in place, the transition can be made easier.
That is exactly what Gina Wheeler had when she changed the name of her studio from The Pottery Burn Studio to Brush & Co.
Wheeler talked about how she wanted her own branding – her own ideas – to be represented in the new business name. She said she sought to work past any misconceptions people may have in choosing to create something in her studio. She felt the former name left an impression that the person coming in to create a piece had to have a strong sense of the artistic. There were expectations of experience and talent.
Wheeler, however, wants to emphasize the social aspect – the fun of doing something with friends or with meeting new people. “It isn’t the final product; it is the time together that is important.” She wants her guests to focus more on company – on the people they are with – and less on having to create something spectacular.
Maybe the name has changed, but the quality of the material that Brush and Co. offers has remained the same. As its website notes, the studio has “an open 2,500+ foot space and a private group/party room available for rental.” It goes on to mention, “Figures, functional items, drink and barware, ornaments, and other décor items are all available for guests to pick and paint.”
The studio has more than 75 different glaze colors from which to choose, as well a wide variety of specialty glazes.
There is no need to sign up for a class. Walk-ins are encouraged, but it is recommended that groups of four or more should call in advance. The price for the pieces that are offered varies, with an average cost of $25 for a completed piece. I
t usually takes two to three hours to properly paint a piece, with three coats being recommended for good coverage. The piece is then ready for the kiln, where it will be fired at 1,800 degrees to ensure a smooth, shiny and food-safe surface. Once a piece has been turned over for firing, it can be picked up or ready for shipping within two weeks.
Wheeler encourages people to consider Brush & Co. when planning a birthday party, corporate event, family get-together or bachelorette party. Groups are welcome to bring food and refreshments for their event. The party room can accommodate groups as large as 15, while the studio can accommodate a group as large as 50. There is a 10% reduction in price for seniors, military, students and teachers.
Brush & Co. is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but it is open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12 until 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays it is open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
“We like what Brush & Co. brings to the Superior Business Improvement District,” Kelly Peterson, executive director stated. “It offers a place for people to get together and have some fun while they are making something special.”
Peterson thinks the rebranding will allow people to be less worried about how they are doing something, and happier to be with their friends.
Check out Brush & Co. at 1207 Tower Avenue. You can find them on Facebook or on their website brushandcompany.com. You can always contact the studio directly by calling 715-718-8080.
The name may have changed, but the quality has stayed the same!
