Alexa Rucinski, Owner/Teacher
The Dream
Born in New Haven and raised in Branford, my first job was at a pottery studio at age 14. I decided then that my dream was to open my own studio. Though I pursued engineering in college and spent a decade building a career, I continued working at pottery studios in my free time, always eyeing that dream.
I have worked at 5 different studios across the East Coast from Florida to Connecticut, working my way up from studio assistant, to teacher, to studio manager. Each time, I knew I was growing the skills and knowledge I would bring back to New Haven County to establish a community pottery studio in my hometown.
I have 17 years of experience working in ceramics studios, and 9 years of experience teaching. New Haven Pottery Studio is a culmination of years of dreaming, planning, saving, researching, replanning and more saving. I couldn’t be more proud to open a inclusive, welcoming, relaxed studio in the community, for the community, and by the community.
The Journey
New Haven Pottery Studio opened first as ARM Ceramics when I first opened an LLC in October of 2022. I started my journey when living in DC, by enrolling in the DC Small Business Development Council program sponsored by Howard University. My mentor Walter Swindell taught me how to develop a business plan, one more advanced than the excel sheets I would fiddle with every night. Through working with the DCSBDC, I was able to find a real estate agent to help me look at spaces. I worked with a local architect and MEP firm to determine feasibility of various spaces. Since moving back to Connecticut, I have participated in the Woman’s Business Development Council to continue receiving guidance, and worked with Ken Ginsburg, my real estate broker to find the space.
I would like to thank all of the local businesses I have been partnering with to advertise this studio.