From Corporate Burnout to Ceramic Success: A Millennial's Journey to Entrepreneurship with Michelin-Starred Clients
This narrative explores the inspiring transition of Belle Yeoh, a millennial who departed from the demanding corporate finance sector to pursue her burgeoning passion for pottery, ultimately establishing a successful enterprise, Buttersage Pottery. Her journey highlights a common modern dilemma of professional burnout and the pursuit of meaningful work. Starting with a single pottery class, Yeoh cultivated her talent and business acumen, eventually attracting high-profile clients, including prestigious Michelin-starred culinary establishments, demonstrating the remarkable potential of transforming a hobby into a thriving career. Her story is a testament to the rewards of embracing change and following one's creative calling, even when it means leaving behind a conventional path.
Belle Yeoh's foray into the world of ceramics began serendipitously in March 2022, during an introductory workshop where her innate talent for pottery was immediately recognized. At the time, she held a marketing position at an asset management firm in Penang, Malaysia. Despite a stable job with supportive leadership, the client-facing nature of the role eventually led to a sense of exhaustion and a realization that the corporate environment was not her long-term professional destination. The aftermath of the global pandemic exacerbated these feelings, pushing her to seek alternative avenues for personal and professional fulfillment. This period of introspection involved spending time outdoors, engaging in activities that helped clear her mind, ultimately leading her back to the pottery wheel.
The initial pottery workshop ignited a profound interest, prompting Yeoh to invest in tools and equipment for home practice. Her dedication rapidly intensified, culminating in her resignation from her corporate job five months later. She committed a year to explore the viability of transforming her newfound passion into a business. By the end of 2022, Buttersage Pottery was officially launched. Initially, efforts to sell her creations online proved challenging, with difficulties in attracting buyers and establishing a market presence. This led her to participate in local Sunday markets in Penang, where direct interaction with customers boosted her confidence and provided invaluable feedback, helping her to refine her approach and products.
The meticulous process of creating each pottery piece means that completing an order typically spans four to six weeks. Her product range includes cups, priced between 80 to 130 Malaysian ringgit (approximately $20 to $30 USD), and bowls and plates, ranging from 100 to 180 ringgit, depending on their intricate design. A pivotal moment for Buttersage Pottery arrived with a significant bulk order from Chef Su Kim Hock of Au Jardin, one of Malaysia's pioneering Michelin-starred restaurants. This collaboration marked the beginning of a lasting partnership, with Yeoh crafting nearly 500 pieces, from cutlery rests to vases, for the esteemed chef. Her reputation further grew as she secured a partnership with Dewakan, a two-star Michelin establishment in Kuala Lumpur.
In a strategic expansion, Yeoh, alongside her husband, opened a retail space named Stride and Pott in May, merging her pottery venture with his specialty running store. This shared location now accounts for half of her sales through ready-made items, with the other half originating from commissions and bespoke orders. While operating her own business offers immense personal satisfaction, it often blurs the boundaries between professional and personal life, making it challenging to disconnect. Yeoh emphasizes that for those considering similar creative ventures, starting it as a side hustle is advisable, allowing for exploration and growth without immediate financial pressure. Her own startup costs were minimal, utilizing personal savings and securing a pottery wheel for around 600 Malaysian ringgit. She remains cautious about rapid expansion, preferring to maintain the intimate scale of her work that initially drew her to the craft, and is open to seeing where her artistic journey will lead her next.