Meet Emily Winter

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emily Winter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Emily, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I grew up surrounded by art and music — creativity was woven into everyday life in our home. My Papa taught me how to draw when I was little, sparking a lifelong love for art and design. That passion led me to study graphic design in college and build a career in marketing for more than 20 years.

But my true purpose found me later in life, when my mom and I decided to purchase Artist for a Day. What started as a leap of faith has become something deeply meaningful — a space where people can slow down, connect, and create together. I love watching families and friends gather around a table, painting, laughing, and sharing stories.

Family has always been such an important part of my life, and now, through the studio, I get to help other families make memories of their own. Seeing people relax, bond, and find joy through art fills me with so much gratitude. Artist for a Day has given me a new purpose — one rooted in community, creativity, and connection.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m the owner and creative director of Artist for a Day, a paint-your-own pottery studio in North Olmsted, Ohio. Our studio is all about creating a warm, welcoming space where people can relax, express themselves, and connect through art.

What makes Artist for a Day so special is the way it brings people together. We see families painting side by side, friends catching up over mugs and memories, and individuals finding a bit of calm and creativity in their day. For many, our studio has become a place of art therapy — a space to slow down, de-stress, and feel joy through creating.

One of the things I love most about what I do is that I get to share this creative journey with my family. I co-own the studio with my mom, Amy Shipley, and I love that we get to dream up new ideas together every day. Each year, we attend the CCSA convention — our “girls’ trip” — where we learn, connect, and get inspired alongside other ceramic studios from around the world. My youngest sister, Annabelle, helps manage the studio and run our kilns, and soon my daughter, Adalyn, will be joining our team as her first job. I love that not only do we welcome families into our studio, but I get to work with mine, too.

We’re always finding new ways to keep creativity flowing. In addition to our ceramic painting, canvas painting, and clay handbuilding classes, we host a variety of themed events throughout the year — each designed to spark inspiration and connection. Our newest addition, MudBags, lets guests purchase a pound of clay to create their own hand-built pieces outside of regular class times. It’s a fun and flexible way for people to explore clay on their own schedule.

At its heart, Artist for a Day isn’t just a pottery studio — it’s a place for people to gather, create, and make memories together. My goal is for everyone who walks through our doors to leave feeling a little lighter, happier, and inspired.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Art has been a driving force in my life since I was a child. I’ve always loved learning new techniques, experimenting, and finding inspiration from other artists. That constant curiosity and willingness to grow have been at the heart of my journey.

My background in graphic design has also played a huge role in shaping how I approach my business today. I spent over 20 years building a career in design, learning the ins and outs of both print and digital media. That experience has helped me immensely with our marketing — from designing printed materials to maintaining our website and ensuring that our branding reflects who we are as a studio.

Another quality that’s been impactful is my desire to keep learning — not just about art, but about people. Every day, I learn something new from our customers, employees, and fellow business owners. Their stories, feedback, and creativity inspire me to keep growing Artist for a Day into a studio that’s fresh with ideas and rich with community.

For anyone early in their journey, my best advice is to follow your passions wholeheartedly. There will be challenges and moments that feel overwhelming, but if you stay focused on why you started, the rewards are incredible. When you see the joy and connection your work brings to others, it makes every obstacle worth it.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Growing up in a large, lively family was always full of energy and activity, and my parents were incredibly supportive of whatever we were involved in. My grandfather, Papa, taught me how to draw when I was young, and the joy we shared during those moments sparked my lifelong passion for art. Music was another big part of my life — both of my parents were heavily involved in music, and they encouraged me to participate in every opportunity I could, from school ensembles to private lessons, nurturing my love for playing the flute.

Their support extended to my education and career as well. After shadowing my dad at work during a father-daughter workday, I discovered a love for design, which led me to pursue a degree in art and graphic design at Ohio Northern University. My parents helped me navigate the college process and supported me in every step, allowing me to grow creatively and academically. College was also where I met my husband, thanks to being active in the music department — another example of how their encouragement shaped my path.

That same support continues today. When my mom called about Artist for a Day being for sale, I knew we could make a great team, and having my parents’ encouragement has given me the confidence to grow our studio alongside my family. Being on this small business journey with my mom — plus the support of my dad, husband, kids, siblings, and extended family — gives me the strength to keep creating the best studio experience possible for everyone who walks through our doors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://artistforaday.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artist4aday/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Artist4ADay/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Artist4ADay
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@artist4aday
  https://www.pinterest.com/art4aday/_saved/

Image Credits

Emily Winter, Artist for a Day