PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – Floyd County residents can “make a memory one piece at a time” by visiting a new arts and craft store located in Prestonsburg. You, Me & Pottery is a place where children and adults alike can paint pre-made ceramic pieces ranging from coffee mugs to figurines, picture frames, and much more.

Store owners Deana and John Hunt were inspired to open their new business after Deana and her daughter visited a similar store in Huntington, W.Va. They recognized that there was a lack of arts and craft-based activities in the area. The couple feel as if they have created a family-oriented space where fun memories will be made.

You, Me & Pottery had a soft opening on June 29, 2019 and officially opened on July 12, 2019. 

Deana and John’s idea was met with a collaborative business service network committed to turning their dream into a reality.  Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) and its Business and Innovation team connected the Hunts to Morehead State University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Mountain Association for Community Economic Development (MACED).  These organization are Blueprint Partners of SOAR and assisted in the development of a business plan and the origination of a business-friendly loan.

“I highly recommend contacting SOAR and its Business and Innovation team if you’re thinking about starting a business,” said Deana. “Brittainy [Branham] was instrumental in leading me to the local resources I needed to contact. I had no idea what resources were available to me and other entrepreneurs.” 

SOAR Innovation, a partnership with the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s KY Innovation Office, works in 44 Appalachia Kentucky counties to provide services to innovation-led or innovation capable small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs.

By taking advantage of the resources that were available to them, the Hunts were able to get their store up and running in five short months.

“SOAR and our Business and Innovation team serve as a backbone to connect entrepreneurs like Deana and John to the vast amount of resources available to small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR. “Our network of partners believe that small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups are instrumental in the creating the future in Appalachia we all desire.”

To stay up to date on special events and classes, visit You, Me & Pottery’s website, Facebook page or call (606) 263-8060.

To learn more Morehead State University’s SBDC in Prestonsburg, visit their website. For more information about MACED, click here.

For more information on SOAR Innovation, visit www.soarinnovation.tech, call (606) 766-1160) or email innovation@soar-ky.org.