A $10,000 Small Business Grant was recently presented to Tami and Johnny Hanson, Owners of Sota Street Studio, by Heather Bregel, New Ulm EDA Director. Learn more about Sota Street Studio below:
Business: Sota Street Studio
Business Address: 103 N Minnesota St
Business Contact: Phone: 507-217-4914 Email: sotastreetstudio@gmail.com
Social Media Links: https://www.sotastreetstudio.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571579528313
Why did you choose to open your business in New Ulm?
I (Tami) am a New Ulm native and always dreamed of being an entrepreneur. I saw an opportunity to develop a creative and welcoming space where people of all ages can connect, relax, and express themselves. Knowing New Ulm’s rich history and appreciation for the arts, i felt it would be a great gathering place. We opened our paint-your-own-pottery studio in New Ulm to share this unique hands-on experience in our home community. Our hope was that it would be an environment where families, friends, and visitors alike all experience an outlet to create meaningful and lasting memories together.
How has the New Ulm EDA helpe you with your business?
The New Ulm EDA played a key role during our business launch, providing guidance and expertise in early stages. Just after opening, their visit and subsequent feature on social media generated awareness and helped us to build credibility to attract customers during our critical stage of startup. The grant provided by the EDA helps support and sustain our business foundation by helping to reduce financial barriers and greatly aid in our continued efforts for Sota Street Studio to thrive as a community-focused business.
Tell us something exciting about your business.
As we continue to grow, we’re excited to introduce new themed events through collaborations with other local businesses. With the recent news of being a grant recipient, we are excited to expand our glaze selection and will introduce over a dozen new colors soon! We’ll continue to bring in a wide variety of seasonal pottery designs, keeping the experience fresh and engaging for our customers.
Have you cooperated/contracted with any other local businesses?
We’ve collaborated with Green Roots Farms and Sweet Haven Tonics to hold a couple of workshops (paint, plant and sip) which I’m happy to say were a hit! We’re already planning more for this summer. Most recently, we partnered with MLC on a paint and plant event with 66 students participating. We’ve held in-house events at Kids Connection, Woodstone and Orchard Hill, bringing the experience to them. We’ve hosted countless parties at our studio including Jensen Motors to celebrate their Business of the Year recognition, Edward Jones staff appreciation, multiple Brown County Social Services group outings, New Ulm Chamber of Commerce team building, Lykke Books staff event, Akre & Clark Christmas party, MLC student late night events and several surrounding 4H clubs. The New Ulm Chamber of Commerce and the entire team there have been instrumental to our startup by helping us get involved in the business community and local events that support not only our small business but others as well. The whole business community in New Ulm has been extremely helpful and welcoming and we feel very blessed to be part of it!
What advice do you have for anyone else thinking about starting a business in New Ulm?
Take advantage of the strong local support system and build relationships early. Connect with organizations like the New Ulm EDA and the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce and meet with other small business owners, both new and seasoned. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and ask for help when you need it. This community truly wants local small businesses to succeed and thrive!!!
