No - I am not Jim the owner. But I like his place.
http://www.waltonsun.com/entertainment/art_1799___article.html/entertainment_fired.html
While many businesses are struggling in the current woeful economy, business at Fired Up in Seaside has been non-stop.
"It's like this from February through Labor Day," said owner Jim Radford "Last year was the biggest in terms of revenue and this year is better."
The key to Radford's right to brag, he believes, is "fun."
"We decided we would have a lot of fun with this when we bought it," he said. "That makes it like having a party every day. It's more of an experience. It's art as entertainment."
Couple the fun approach with the fact that most of his business generates from tourists desiring to make a memory to take home from vacation and you have a winning combination.
The bulk of Fired Up's business is helping customers use their imaginations and creativity to paint their own pottery, which the Radfords then glaze and fire and have ready the next day.
"If the beach gets too hot they come in here. If it rains, they come in here," said Radford. "It's always busier when it rains and we welcome them with open arms."
Occasionally, some of Fired Up's customers turn out to be famous.
"One day someone called and wanted to know if we could take nine people who wanted to come in and sit together. I told the caller that we didn't take reservations, but if they could be here in five minutes, I would try to move some seats together for them. Sure enough, the group came in soaking wet because they had walked from WaterColor in the rain. We tossed them some towels and helped them get started. Pretty soon other people in the store were causing a stir. The group turned out to be comedian Jeff Foxworthy and his family. He painted a mug for his wife," said Radford, who took a photo of Foxworthy's handiwork.
Singer Sheryl Crow and cyclist Lance Armstrong have also come in to enjoy some hands-on creativity, and Sean Payton and his family are regulars.
The shop is also a popular site for bridesmaids' parties, honeymooners and others to create a piece of artwork to commemorate a special event.
Fired Up opened in Seaside's Ruskin Place in 1995. Jim's wife, Stacy, managed the store for two years before the couple purchased it in May 2006.
"We made some changes by weeding out what customers weren't interested in and changing 40 percent of our inventory to smaller, more contemporary artsy pieces that people could easily take home," said Jim.
During the slow season, the Radfords turn their concentration more to locals, with offerings of locals' discounts, workshops and classes.
For more information, call (850) 231-3211.
http://www.waltonsun.com/entertainment/art_1799___article.html/entertainment_fired.html
While many businesses are struggling in the current woeful economy, business at Fired Up in Seaside has been non-stop.
"It's like this from February through Labor Day," said owner Jim Radford "Last year was the biggest in terms of revenue and this year is better."
The key to Radford's right to brag, he believes, is "fun."
"We decided we would have a lot of fun with this when we bought it," he said. "That makes it like having a party every day. It's more of an experience. It's art as entertainment."
Couple the fun approach with the fact that most of his business generates from tourists desiring to make a memory to take home from vacation and you have a winning combination.
The bulk of Fired Up's business is helping customers use their imaginations and creativity to paint their own pottery, which the Radfords then glaze and fire and have ready the next day.
"If the beach gets too hot they come in here. If it rains, they come in here," said Radford. "It's always busier when it rains and we welcome them with open arms."
Occasionally, some of Fired Up's customers turn out to be famous.
"One day someone called and wanted to know if we could take nine people who wanted to come in and sit together. I told the caller that we didn't take reservations, but if they could be here in five minutes, I would try to move some seats together for them. Sure enough, the group came in soaking wet because they had walked from WaterColor in the rain. We tossed them some towels and helped them get started. Pretty soon other people in the store were causing a stir. The group turned out to be comedian Jeff Foxworthy and his family. He painted a mug for his wife," said Radford, who took a photo of Foxworthy's handiwork.
Singer Sheryl Crow and cyclist Lance Armstrong have also come in to enjoy some hands-on creativity, and Sean Payton and his family are regulars.
The shop is also a popular site for bridesmaids' parties, honeymooners and others to create a piece of artwork to commemorate a special event.
Fired Up opened in Seaside's Ruskin Place in 1995. Jim's wife, Stacy, managed the store for two years before the couple purchased it in May 2006.
"We made some changes by weeding out what customers weren't interested in and changing 40 percent of our inventory to smaller, more contemporary artsy pieces that people could easily take home," said Jim.
During the slow season, the Radfords turn their concentration more to locals, with offerings of locals' discounts, workshops and classes.
For more information, call (850) 231-3211.
