Julie Miller grew up in Phoenixville, has been selling pottery at the Phoenixville Farmers’ Market for years, and just opened her first retail space at 24 S. Main Street! Read our interview with Julie to learn more about what she brings to the community!

Emily: What inspired you to open a retail space in Phoenixville?

Julie: Honestly, there really wasn't anywhere else I was considering. I feel very lucky to have started my art-selling journey at Phoenixville Farmers Market 8 years ago and have built a wonderfully loyal customer base from being there. I also grew up in Phoenixville and know a lot of people which definitely helps! It's been really amazing to see this town transform into a place that is truly so supportive of its local artists and businesses so it made the decision pretty easy.

E: Is your studio in the shop? Will visitors be able to watch you create with clay or see works in progress?

Yes! I moved my studio out of my house and into the back of the shop. When I was looking for retail spaces I wasn't initially looking for a space large enough to include my studio in but when I found my location at 24 Main, it really just made sense. This way I can finally have some separation of home and work life and make all my pots in the same space I'm selling them! The studio space is also Whoopie's space (my dog and studio assistant) so even though it is gated off customers can still see me working in the back.

E: With the holidays coming up, do you have any gifting tips for your pottery?

J: I always say there is nothing better than a handmade gift so you really can't go wrong with anything in the store! I am working on doing some gift sets with the other artists in the shop including ramen bowls with Cody Zickler's chopsticks, one of my soap dishes paired with a bar of Honey Rae Soap Co. goats milk soap, or gifting any item in the store with a beautiful holiday card from Casey Saccomanno.

I would say my top sellers at the holidays for gifts are mugs, trays, serving bowls, and plant pots (which would go great with a plant from Perch Plants!)

E: Does your shop include any work from other artists?

J: I am so excited to offer not only my pottery but a great selection of work from local artists as well! Right now, I have Cody Zickler Woodworking (you can usually find us next to each other at Phoenixville Farmers Market), Helen Ethel Jewelry, Terrain Textures, Honey Rae Soap Co, Casey Saccomanno, Earthen Color, Grateful Merchant Co, Alison Towers and Earthmade Handmade.

E: How do you hope people feel when they visit your shop?

J: I really hope that people think of my store as a one-stop shop for all things handmade and local. The goal of this store was not only for me to have a consistent place to sell my work, but to also have a spot where all my artist friends could sell theirs as well, kind of like an extension of the Makers Markets I used to host at my house every December. I feel so lucky to have made so many friends over the years from doing the market scene and I wanted a 'home base' for everyone. Shop small, support local, and buy handmade is really what the store is all about.