Breaking Barriers After 40: The Inspiring Startup Journey of Archana Deshpande, Founder of PotteryDen
Starting a business at any age is a bold step, but beginning a startup after 40 comes with its own set of challenges — and opportunities. Archana Deshpande, the founder of PotteryDen, is a shining example of how age is never a barrier to chasing your entrepreneurial dreams. In a heartwarming and insightful podcast episode, Archana shares her journey of starting PotteryDen after the age of 40, navigating through uncertainties, and carving her own path to success.
In this special Women's Day episode, the host Hrushikesh Khandve, Founder GolaBerij, dives deep into Archana’s entrepreneurial journey, discussing the challenges of starting late, overcoming obstacles, and the mindset needed to build a successful business.
The Courage to Start After 40
For many, the age of 40 is seen as a time to settle in a stable career or plan for retirement. But Archana broke this conventional notion by starting her own business — PotteryDen — a creative and inspiring startup that showcases handcrafted pottery and ceramic pottery products. Her journey is a testament that passion, determination, and hard work know no age limit.
Archana candidly talks about the self-doubt that crept in when she considered launching her startup. However, she also emphasizes that the right mindset and clear planning can turn any dream into reality. Whether you are 25 or 45, starting a business is always about taking the first step with courage.
Early Challenges and Key Learnings
Every startup journey comes with its share of roadblocks. Archana faced several challenges, from understanding the market to building a customer base. However, she believes that making mistakes early on is a part of the process.
In the podcast, she highlights some of the key mistakes that aspiring entrepreneurs should avoid, such as:
- Overthinking the Perfect Start: Many people delay starting their business in the quest for perfection. Archana advises that it's more important to start and learn along the way.
- Neglecting Market Research: Understanding what customers want and adapting to their preferences is crucial.
- Undervaluing Your Product: Archana learned the importance of pricing her hand-painted pottery and ceramic pottery products right and ensuring they reflected the quality and craftsmanship involved.
Turning Passion into Business
One of the most inspiring parts of Archana’s story is how she turned her love for clay pottery into a thriving business. She believes that when you build a business around something you are passionate about, the journey becomes fulfilling and exciting.
However, she also shares that passion alone is not enough. A well-thought-out business plan, proper marketing, and understanding customer needs are equally important for success. PotteryDen is now a testament to her belief in combining creativity with strategic business acumen.
Archana also emphasizes the importance of pottery workshops and pottery classes to engage with the community and increase brand visibility. Hosting workshops not only helped her build a loyal customer base but also allowed her to share her passion for handcrafted pottery with others.
Building a Brand in the Pottery Industry
Establishing a pottery shop is more than just selling products; it’s about creating an experience. Archana shares how she built PotteryDen into a recognizable brand by leveraging social media, collaborating with local artists, and organizing pottery workshops. This approach allowed her to engage directly with customers and create a personal connection.
Some of the key strategies she adopted include:
- Hosting Pottery Classes: Offering regular pottery classes for beginners and enthusiasts helped her attract new customers and spread awareness about PotteryDen.
- Showcasing Handcrafted Pottery: Highlighting the uniqueness of hand-painted pottery and custom designs brought a loyal following.
- Online Presence: Building a strong online presence through social media platforms and an e-commerce website significantly boosted her sales.
Why Age Is Just a Number in Entrepreneurship
A key takeaway from Archana’s journey is that age should never be a limiting factor. Starting a business in your 40s or even later can bring the advantage of maturity, a clear perspective, and well-rounded experience. Archana encourages everyone, especially women, to break the age barrier and chase their entrepreneurial dreams without hesitation.
She believes that life after 40 is often the perfect time to start a business — when you have clarity about your purpose, financial stability, and a network of people who can support your journey.
Scaling Up the Business
As PotteryDen gained popularity, Archana faced the challenge of scaling her business. Expanding her product line, introducing more ceramic pottery designs, and organizing pottery workshops helped her grow sustainably. Additionally, offering custom-designed handcrafted pottery products brought in a niche audience looking for personalized gifts and home décor items.
Archana also recognized the growing demand for experiential learning. By introducing pottery classes and hands-on workshops, she not only boosted her brand's visibility but also inspired others to explore their creative side. The workshops became a huge success, allowing her to build a thriving community of pottery enthusiasts.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Archana wraps up the podcast episode with some valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs:
- Just Start: Don’t wait for the perfect moment; take the leap and start working on your idea.
- Be Open to Learning: Every setback is a learning opportunity. Keep improving and stay adaptable.
- Believe in Yourself: Confidence in your abilities is the key to navigating challenges.
- Network and Collaborate: Building a strong support network can significantly impact your startup's success.
Visit PotteryDen – Where Creativity Meets Clay
Today, PotteryDen is not just a pottery shop but a community-driven space where people come to learn, create, and connect. Archana’s inspiring story of starting PotteryDen after the age of 40 is a powerful reminder that dreams have no expiry date. Whether you’re interested in hand-painted pottery, clay pottery, or attending pottery classes, PotteryDen has something special for everyone.
If you have ever dreamt of starting your own business but felt unsure because of your age or circumstances, this episode is for you. Archana’s story of building PotteryDen after 40 will inspire you to take action towards your dreams — no matter where you are in life.
Listen to the full podcast episode now and get inspired to start your entrepreneurial journey!
Visit PotteryDen’s Website: www.potteryden.com
Join a Pottery Workshop: Experience the joy of creating something with your own hands by signing up for PotteryDen's pottery classes today.
Shop Handcrafted Pottery: Explore a wide range of ceramic pottery and hand-painted pottery products at PotteryDen's pottery shop. Perfect for home decor, gifts, and personal use.