Today we’d like to introduce you to Emma Ludwig.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Letter Cat Studio was started in 2023. I was working a full time job I hated, and I had just parted ways with the former studio I had been teaching classes at. All the full time jobs I found myself working were unfulfilling and honestly, soul sucking.
I realized, pottery was truly made me happy, and decided to start small with just an LLC. I started making things in my tiny studio apartment, and quickly outgrew that space! A few months later, I started renting a small studio space in the Crossroads. I was there from Summer of 2023-Summer of 2025! I loved my studio’s location, but it was such a small space, it did not take long for me to outgrow that studio as well.
I found my current studio space by taking a walk with my husband and out dogs. This current location was only 2 blocks from my house. I inquired about availability, and one thing led to another, and by the end of the month I was signing a lease!
That was June of 2025.
Fast forward 1 year to today, and I truly can say I am living my dream. 12 yr old Emma would be JAZZED to know future Emma is her own boss and owns her own art studio.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, this has not been a smooth road. If it was a smooth road, everyone would open their own business!
Letter Cat Studio is primarily a 1 woman show. I have a few people who help me with classes, but I teach about 80% of them, as well as handle all website maintenance, and emails, and customer service. There are days where I spend 9, 10, 11 hours in the studio, especially on weekends. I can’t call in, I can’t not show up, and I can’t not do work. There is always something I need to be doing and I rarely have free time to create anything for myself anymore.
I also have had to figure out all the tax, legalities, and “numbers” side to owning a business. I am not a numbers person at all, but I knew in order to have Letter Cat thrive, I needed my ducks in a row. I have had lots of help through my bank and the SBa.
It is single handedly, the hardest, but most rewarding thing I have ever done. I am so proud of all the work I have put in to be able to be where I am today.
We’ve been impressed with Letter Cat Pottery Studio, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The thing that sets Letter Cat apart from other pottery studios in the area, is ME. I live and BREATHE for my business. Often, I am the one teaching classes. I have had many people tell me they enjoy the chance to know the biz owner, because often, the owner will step back and let employees take the lead.
I also have had many people thank me for how easy it is to book classes and how affordable I make it. I have always said, I want to make clay accessible to anyone who is interested, not get rich. I have multiple 1.5 hour classes, so I offer a chance to learn pottery without a ton of time commitment. My classes are also about $45 a session too, which my customers have said is an affordable cost for the service I am providing.
I want to create a safe space for anyone to be creative, and with the support of my community, I am doing just that.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I could not do this full time without the support of Kansas City. Thank you to every single person who has walked through my doors – I never take any booking for granted.
Pricing:
- 45 dollars per person for a 1.5 hour “Try The Wheel!” class
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lettercatstudio.com
- Instagram: lettercatstudio.kc
