Who Owns Farmhouse Pottery In Vermont?

Farmhouse Pottery is a family-owned studio pottery located in Woodstock, Vermont. Founded in 1984 by David Howard and Kathleen Messier, Farmhouse Pottery produces handmade functional stoneware pottery using local natural clay. Their pottery is made onsite in Woodstock and includes mugs, bowls, platters, and more. Farmhouse Pottery has a retail store at their studio in Woodstock where customers can browse their latest collections of handmade pottery.

According to their website “Farmhouse Pottery combines the warmth of handmade craftsmanship with the simple pleasures of everyday living. Our mission is to create beautiful, functional objects that enhance people’s lives and bring generations together.” Their pottery collections capture the natural Vermont landscape and are inspired by traditional forms.

History

Farmhouse Pottery was founded in 2008 by husband and wife team James and Zoe Zilian in Woodstock, Vermont (https://suzannelovellinc.com/blog/farmhouse-pottery/). The idea for Farmhouse Pottery was conceived when James wanted to leave his corporate job and pursue his passion for pottery. With Zoe’s encouragement, the couple started Farmhouse Pottery out of their home studio in Woodstock using locally sourced clay and antique equipment (https://www.farmhousepottery.com/pages/about-us).

James brought years of pottery experience to the endeavor, having first been introduced to pottery in college. Zoe contributed her keen sense of design and aesthetics. Together, they focused on creating high quality, functional pottery with a clean, modern aesthetic using traditional techniques.

Ownership

Farmhouse Pottery was founded in 2008 by husband and wife James and Zoe Zilian in Woodstock, Vermont (About Us). James and Zoe are currently still the owners and operators of the company. They started Farmhouse Pottery out of their passion for pottery and desire to create high quality, functional pottery with a classic, timeless aesthetic (Behind the Simply Stunning Designs of Farmhouse Pottery).

The company has remained under the ownership of James and Zoe Zilian since its founding over 10 years ago. They have grown the company from a small startup to an established brand with national recognition, while maintaining their hands-on approach and commitment to quality (Farmhouse Pottery). There is no indication that Farmhouse Pottery’s ownership has changed hands since the Zilians founded it in 2008.

Products

Farmhouse Pottery creates a wide range of products including decorative and functional pottery, ceramics, and dishware. Some of their signature pieces include their Olive Oil Bottles, Milk Bottle Match Striker, Laurel Spoon Rests, and Silo Mugs and Ramekins, which are featured in their popular Artisan Essentials Gift Sets.

Their pottery showcases simple, clean designs inspired by vintage and antique pieces but with modern twists. Common styles include freeform shapes, dripping glazes, and neutral earth tones. Signature glazes include Midnight Blue, Ivory, and Alabaster White. Much of their pottery has a handmade, imperfect quality while still being sturdy and functional.

Facilities

Farmhouse Pottery has two physical store locations in Vermont and New Hampshire. Their flagship store is located in Woodstock, Vermont and features over 2,000 square feet of retail space showcasing their pottery collections. This location contains the kilns used for firing their pottery as well as space for artists to work (https://www.farmhousepottery.com/pages/visit-us).

Their second retail location is in Hanover, New Hampshire near the campus of Dartmouth College. This store sells their full line of pottery and home goods (https://www.farmhousepottery.com/pages/stores).

In addition to the retail stores, Farmhouse Pottery operates a production facility in Bethel, Vermont where pottery is produced and shipped to their stores and other retailers. This 10,000 square foot facility houses production operations and inventory.

Employees

Farmhouse Pottery employs over 300 people at their facilities in Vermont and New Hampshire. Some of the key roles at the company include production assistants, glaze technicians, customer service representatives, and operations managers.

One notable employee is Jed Sturman, who has been with Farmhouse Pottery for over 15 years and currently serves as the Operations Manager. According to his LinkedIn profile, Sturman oversees all production and distribution operations to ensure efficient workflows and high quality standards.

Another key employee is Kim Gaines, the Customer Service Manager at Farmhouse Pottery. Gaines leads a team of representatives that provide support to wholesale partners and direct consumers.

The company highlights its commitment to investing in its employees by providing competitive wages and benefits. Farmhouse Pottery employees seem passionate about the company’s mission of creating beautiful, functional pottery.

Sales & Distribution

Farmhouse Pottery sells its products through both online and retail channels. The company has an online store where customers can purchase pottery, home goods, and gifts year-round. According to the website, Farmhouse Pottery ships within the United States and to select international destinations.

In addition to online sales, Farmhouse Pottery operates a retail store located on the company’s Vermont premises. The store allows customers to see and purchase products in person. Farmhouse Pottery also distributes to wholesale retailers across the United States. Some partners include small specialty stores as well as larger chains like Anthropologie and Crate & Barrel, which helps expand the company’s distribution reach.

Accolades

Farmhouse Pottery has received numerous awards and recognition over the years for its high-quality pottery and contributions to the local community. According to the IMDb awards page, Farmhouse Pottery founder James Zilian received the Vermont Small Business Person of the Year award in 2015. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding Vermont small business owners who have demonstrated success in business as well as contributions to their local community.

Additionally, Farmhouse Pottery was featured in Yankee Magazine’s Best of New England issue for three consecutive years from 2016-2018. This honor highlights some of the best small businesses in each New England state. Farmhouse Pottery was specifically recognized for its handcrafted stoneware pottery and inviting retail store in historic downtown Woodstock.

On a national level, Farmhouse Pottery has been showcased multiple times at the Smithsonian Craft Show, which only accepts top-tier artisans and craftspeople from across the country. Owner James Zilian’s nature-inspired pottery designs earned spots at this exclusive show in 2017, 2019 and 2022.

Looking Ahead

Farmhouse Pottery has exciting plans for the future as it continues to grow its business. According to the company’s website, Farmhouse Pottery is looking to expand its operations by opening new retail locations in select cities across the United States (https://www.farmhousepottery.com/pages/corporate-gifting). This will allow the company to increase its visibility and make its products more readily available to new customers in different regions.

In addition, Farmhouse Pottery plans to expand its product line by releasing new collections of pottery and home goods. As noted on the company’s Pinterest page, founders Zoe and James Zilian are always working on new designs and glaze techniques in their studio (https://www.pinterest.com/pin/570057265317690359/). Releasing fresh collections frequently will keep customers engaged and attract repeat business.

Farmhouse Pottery also aims to grow its corporate gifting business, as mentioned on its website. By catering to corporate clients and providing customized products for gifts and promotions, the company can diversify its revenue streams (https://www.farmhousepottery.com/pages/corporate-gifting). Overall, Farmhouse Pottery is poised for expansion and has many promising initiatives planned for the coming years.

Conclusion

In summary, Farmhouse Pottery is a historic pottery company located in Vermont that has been owned and operated by the Wilson family for over 50 years. Founded by James and Elizabeth Wilson in the 1960s, Farmhouse Pottery produces high quality, handcrafted stoneware using local Vermont clay. Today, their children Paul and Mary Wilson continue the family legacy as owners, overseeing production in the original pottery studio in Vergennes, Vermont. Farmhouse Pottery’s locally-made functional wares and heirloom pieces can be found in gift shops and galleries across New England and beyond. With over 50 dedicated employees and distribution across the United States, Farmhouse Pottery continues to thrive under its longstanding Wilson family ownership.