Yours For The Making with Robin Johnson

Robin Johnson
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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

  1. 5d ago

    Jack Lury on Michelin Star Cooking, Fine Dining, Tasting Menus and Building Lury Restaurant in Hastings

    What does it take to build one of Britain's most exciting independent restaurants from scratch? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jack Lury, chef and owner of Lury Restaurant in Hastings, to explore the reality behind modern fine dining, Michelin ambitions, restaurant ownership and creative cooking. Jack shares his unconventional journey from studying history and sociology to working in Michelin starred kitchens, private chefing, Sotheby's and eventually opening his own intimate tasting menu restaurant with his wife Izzy. He explains why he rejected toxic kitchen culture, how Sri Lankan heritage influences his food, why simplicity creates better dishes and how running a ten seat restaurant allows complete creative freedom. They discuss restaurant design, seasonal cooking, zero waste kitchens, menu development, private dining, hospitality, craftsmanship, leadership, perfectionism and the constant pursuit of improvement. Jack also reveals why Lury Restaurant was never intended to last forever and why every creative project deserves a defined lifespan. Key Topics Covered Becoming a chef without attending culinary schoolLearning in Michelin starred kitchensEscaping toxic hospitality cultureWorking as a private chef in LondonCooking at Sotheby's with unlimited ingredient budgetsBuilding Lury Restaurant from scratchRunning a ten seat tasting menu restaurantSri Lankan influences in modern British cookingSeasonal menus and ingredient driven cookingFine dining without unnecessary formalityCreativity, simplicity and refining dishesZero waste restaurant operationsMichelin Guide ambitionsRestaurant design and creating an immersive dining experienceLeading young hospitality teams with respectWhy creative projects should have a lifespan Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 From history student to professional chef and the obsession that changed Jack's career forever 01:38 Starting at the bottom in a kitchen and why every chef must master the basics before earning responsibility 06:26 Writing to thirty Michelin starred restaurants with almost no experience and landing his first opportunity 08:38 Inside Michelin kitchens, toxic workplace culture and why Jack walked away from the career he thought he wanted 14:28 Private chef work, Sotheby's and cooking with extraordinary ingredients for some of London's wealthiest clients 18:09 Building relationships that create opportunities and why networking matters more than talent alone 20:22 The hidden reality of private chefing, expensive ingredients, demanding clients and creative limitations 22:47 Fine dining burnout, sixteen hour shifts and why so many chefs leave the industry 33:30 Moving to Hastings, taking a huge financial risk and opening Lury Restaurant with almost no money 39:12 Renovating an entire restaurant on a shoestring budget with family help, determination and countless late nights 44:03 Why independent restaurants have more soul than expensive luxury venues 50:39 Inside Lury Restaurant and how a tasting menu creates a completely different dining experience 55:07 Dietary requirements, zero waste cooking and why every booking has to be carefully planned 57:00 Creating relaxed fine dining without unnecessary formality or traditional restaurant rules 01:02:51 Building dishes around the seasons and changing the menu almost every week 01:04:34 The Sri Lankan bread course that became the restaurant's signature dish 01:06:00 Finding a unique creative voice and why the best dishes often contain fewer elements 01:08:42 Weekly self critique, constant refinement and chasing small improvements every service 01:10:28 Why Lury Restaurant was designed as a project with a defined lifespan 01:11:45 Chasing a Michelin star and what that recognition would truly mean 01:15:07 Every detail matters from handmade crockery to locally commissioned artwork and bespoke aprons 01:20:09 The advice Jack would give his younger self about confidence, self respect and leaving unhealthy workplaces 01:23:25 Where to find Lury Restaurant, book a table and join the newsletter for exclusive events

  2. Jul 15

    Furniture Restoration, Antique Conservation and Decorative Arts with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio

    What does it take to restore priceless antiques without erasing their history? Robin Johnson sits down with Rodrigo Tizzano of Titian Studio, one of Britain's leading restoration and decorative arts workshops. Rodrigo shares the story of a family business that has preserved historic furniture, architectural features and museum quality antiques for more than sixty years. From Buckingham Palace and the Albert Memorial to rare seventeenth century cabinets worth millions, this conversation explores antique furniture restoration, traditional craftsmanship, mirror eglomisé, gilding, bespoke furniture making and the patience required to conserve irreplaceable pieces. Rodrigo also explains why the best restoration is often invisible, how modern technology fits into a traditional workshop and why passing skills to the next generation matters more than ever. Key Topics Covered Antique furniture restoration and conservationMirror eglomisé and traditional gildingDecorative arts and bespoke furniture makingRestoring historic pieces for Buckingham PalacePreserving authenticity through careful restorationTraditional craftsmanship in a modern worldWorking with interior designers and private collectorsFamily business across three generationsBalancing heritage with modern technologyAdvice for young craftspeople entering the restoration trade Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 — Rodrigo Tizzano shares how Titian Studio began in 1963 and how three generations have built one of Britain's leading restoration workshops. 02:30 — Growing up surrounded by antiques, restoration and decorative arts before learning traditional techniques from master craftsmen. 05:20 — Why great restoration is almost invisible and why doing less often produces the best result. 09:00 — The challenge of pricing restoration work where every project reveals hidden problems and every antique demands a different approach. 10:30 — Expanding beyond restoration into bespoke furniture, mirror eglomisé and decorative finishes for luxury interiors. 12:00 — Collaborating with leading interior designers and creating one off furniture for prestigious projects including WOW!house. 15:00 — Traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve through experimentation, adapting historic techniques and lifelong learning. 17:30 — Passing a family business to the next generation while introducing digital systems, social media and modern ways of working. 24:30 — Why children should discover their own path before choosing to join a family business. 30:20 — Restoring one of the world's rarest seventeenth century cabinets and the responsibility of working on museum quality antiques. 35:00 — The ethical line between restoration, conservation and creating convincing reproductions. 38:00 — Robin shares a remarkable television restoration where only four original panels survived and the entire cabinet had to be rebuilt. 43:00 — Estimating restoration work, managing client expectations and building a sustainable specialist workshop. 45:00 — Why variety keeps creativity alive through restoration, bespoke furniture, decorative finishes and conservation projects. 48:00 — Rodrigo reveals how close he came to competing on Gladiators before an Achilles injury ended the opportunity. 52:20 — Advice for young makers about patience, persistence, choosing the right partner and building a lasting career in craftsmanship.

  3. Jul 8

    Titanium Bikes, British Frame Building and Custom Bicycle Design: Jim Walker on Enigma Bicycle Works

    What makes a titanium bicycle so special, and why are so few still built in Britain? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Jim Walker, founder of Enigma Bicycle Works, to explore the craft, engineering and business of building world class titanium bicycle frames. Jim shares the story behind Enigma's mission to preserve British bicycle manufacturing, the challenges of welding titanium, and why custom bike fitting remains at the heart of their process. The conversation covers the evolution of the cycling industry, the rise of Far Eastern manufacturing, the growing complexity of modern bike technology, and the realities of running a premium British made brand. Jim explains how Enigma creates bespoke titanium road bikes, gravel bikes and custom bicycle frames tailored to each rider, while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship and customer service that have earned them a loyal following around the world. For cyclists, frame builders, makers, entrepreneurs and anyone interested in British manufacturing, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of the UK's most respected bicycle brands. Key Topics Covered Building titanium bicycle frames in BritainThe challenges of welding titaniumCustom bike fitting and bespoke frame designBritish bicycle manufacturing past and presentThe decline of UK bike productionWhy titanium offers a unique ride qualityGravel bikes, road bikes and all road bikesThe rise of electronic shifting and integrated cockpitsCycling industry trends and built in obsolescenceSurviving the post Covid cycling marketPremium products versus price driven competitionRepairing titanium bike framesThe future of British made bicycles Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 — Why titanium remains one of the most challenging materials in bicycle manufacturing 00:53 — The science behind titanium welding and creating flawless frame joints 02:48 — What makes a titanium bike feel different on the road 05:29 — Built in obsolescence and the growing complexity of modern bicycles 11:28 — Integrated cockpits, hidden cables and the maintenance debate 14:40 — The collapse of British bicycle manufacturing and why Enigma was founded 16:13 — From millions of UK made bikes to just twenty thousand per year 18:34 — The explosion of titanium bike brands and the challenge of standing out 22:44 — How Enigma designs bespoke bicycles around each rider 23:47 — Why titanium became Enigma's defining material 26:14 — Building world class frames in Sussex with a small specialist team 28:13 — Tailoring ride quality through tube selection and frame geometry 29:16 — Electric bikes, the Scarpa system and the future of assisted cycling 34:59 — Covid, the cycling boom and surviving the industry's toughest years 43:50 — Why Enigma focuses on premium quality rather than competing on price 46:43 — The value of British craftsmanship in a global manufacturing market 50:35 — Frame repairs, after sales service and long term customer relationships 52:12 — The challenge of marketing British manufacturing in a crowded market 55:30 — Jim's dream titanium bike build and the perfect all road setup 59:03 — Advice for young people considering a career in the cycling industry

  4. Jul 1

    From Sculptor to Luxury Interiors Designer: Tom Palmer on Alabaster, Creativity and Building a Career in Craft

    How does a sculptor build a successful career in luxury interiors, collectible design and contemporary craft? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with sculptor Tom Palmer to explore his journey from a childhood spent making things on a Sussex farm to creating acclaimed alabaster sculptures and bespoke pieces for interior designers, galleries and private clients around the world. Tom shares the lessons learned from the 2008 financial crash, his transition from bespoke chandeliers to sculpture, and why material experimentation remains central to his creative process. The conversation explores collectible design, luxury interiors, craftsmanship, storytelling, gallery representation, creative careers and the importance of relationships in the design world. Tom also reflects on social media, comparison culture, and why the creative industry offers more opportunities than many people realise. Key Topics Covered Tom Palmer's journey into sculpture and designGrowing up making things on a Sussex estateLearning through experimentation and materialsThe rise and fall of the bespoke chandelier businessSurviving the 2008 financial crashRestoring antiques and developing specialist skillsWhy alabaster became his signature materialCollectible design and the luxury interiors marketWorking with galleries and interior designersThe role of storytelling in creative businessesDesign trends, craftsmanship and originalitySocial media and comparison in creative careersAdvice for emerging artists, designers and makers Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 What a sculptor actually does in luxury interiors and collectible design 05:18 Growing up making things on a Sussex farm and learning through experimentation 10:58 Why Tom rejected traditional art school and chose his own creative path 12:30 Building bespoke chandeliers and landing major hotel and commercial projects 15:00 How the 2008 financial crash wiped out an entire business overnight 16:27 The shared artist studio that became Tom's real education in design and business 20:13 Restoring antiques, reverse engineering craftsmanship and learning forgotten techniques 24:03 Leaving client work behind and creating original designs under his own name 25:17 Selling work internationally and reaching luxury interior designers through FirstDibs 28:02 Collectible design explained and why the industry is changing rapidly 34:16 Why storytelling, relationships and reputation matter more than technical skill 36:26 The hidden barriers to entering the design and interiors industry 38:32 Working with interior designers and building long term creative partnerships 41:15 Creating luxury pieces for private clients that can never be shown publicly 43:51 The projects Tom is most proud of and the challenge of staying creatively fulfilled 45:07 Why alabaster became his signature material and the appeal of carving stone 46:50 Training in Italy, learning marble carving and finding his own artistic voice 48:17 Finding inspiration in Gothic architecture, medieval design and historic craftsmanship 50:53 Escaping trends, avoiding the algorithm and developing original creative ideas 52:02 Design trends, minimalism, ornament and whether craftsmanship will make a comeback 55:22 Why the best makers push beyond trends instead of copying what already works 58:11 Bronze furniture, luxury design trends and what wealthy clients actually buy 01:00:00 Why galleries, storytelling and personal reputation drive success in creative industries 01:01:21 Advice for young artists, designers and makers navigating social media and comparison 01:03:04 The opportunity hidden inside the creative industries and finding your own path forward

  5. Jun 24

    Furniture Making, Social Media and Growing a Bespoke Workshop: George Curl on Building Aspects Bespoke

    George Curl, founder of Aspects Bespoke, joins Robin Johnson to share the realities of building a successful bespoke furniture and cabinet making business. From painting and decorating jobs and handyman work to running a specialist workshop creating high end fitted furniture, George explains how practical experience, social media marketing, strong client relationships and continuous learning have shaped his journey. George discusses the challenges of pricing bespoke projects, training apprentices, finding reliable staff, and balancing creative ambition with commercial reality. He also reveals why Instagram has become one of the most powerful tools for attracting clients, building trust and showcasing craftsmanship. For furniture makers, cabinet makers, woodworkers, joiners, tradespeople and creative business owners, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to grow a workshop, build a reputation and create work that stands out. Key Topics Covered Building a bespoke furniture business from scratchMoving from general construction into cabinet makingThe importance of having a dedicated workshopGrowing a team and training apprenticesPricing bespoke furniture and custom joinery projectsWhy social media matters for furniture makersUsing Instagram to attract ideal clientsBuilding relationships with interior designersLearning new skills including veneering and specialist techniquesManaging mistakes, setbacks and project challengesThe value of Google reviews and local searchCreating a reputation for high quality craftsmanshipBusiness growth in the furniture making industry Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 George Curl's journey into furniture making 02:43 Learning through construction, carpentry and refurbishment 08:20 Taking the leap into a dedicated workshop 10:45 Building a team and hiring apprentices 13:24 Finding a niche through unique bespoke projects 19:08 The challenge of pricing custom furniture 24:18 Educating clients on quality and craftsmanship 34:22 Why workshops and showrooms help win projects 35:35 How Instagram attracts the right clients 38:08 Building strong supplier relationships 40:10 Learning veneering and specialist skills 42:12 Training staff through real projects 52:26 Advice to an 18 year old entrepreneur 55:01 Can a furniture business survive without social media? 57:18 Marketing traditional craftsmanship in a digital world 01:02:07 Future plans and business growth

  6. Jun 17

    How Storytelling Builds Trust, Wins Clients and Future Proofs Creative Businesses

    What makes someone choose one creative business over another? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with filmmakers Sam Christmas and Agatha Appleton-Sas, founders of True Story, to explore the power of personal storytelling, brand films, creative identity and human connection. Sam and Agatha share how True Story was born during Covid from a desire to tell meaningful human stories rather than help large companies sell products. Together they discuss the process behind creating Johnson Bespoke's new brand film, the importance of discovering what makes a business unique, and why personal stories create trust in ways traditional marketing cannot. The conversation explores creative entrepreneurship, filmmaking, branding, authenticity, client relationships, the impact of AI on creative industries and why human stories are becoming increasingly valuable. Sam and Agatha also share advice for young creatives, lessons from their own careers and their belief that human connection will remain the foundation of successful creative businesses. Key Topics Covered How True Story was created during CovidWhy storytelling matters more than traditional marketingThe discovery process behind a powerful brand filmHow personal stories attract better clientsBuilding trust through authenticity and transparencyWhy creative businesses should lead with people, not servicesThe role of filmmaking in branding and business growthHuman connection in an AI driven worldCreativity, confidence and overcoming fear of failureAdvice for creatives building their own business Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Why Sam started True Story during Covid 03:15 Meeting Agatha and building a creative partnership 08:09 Robin's experience creating a brand film 17:19 Why personal storytelling creates trust 21:58 The power of human centred filmmaking 25:01 How the film changed Robin's confidence in his business 27:27 Why people buy into people before products 31:15 Storytelling versus competing on price 38:27 The process behind creating a brand film 43:27 Why editing takes far longer than people realise 51:15 AI, creativity and the future of human storytelling 58:30 Human connection in a technology driven world 01:04:35 Advice for young creatives 01:09:02 Where to find True Story

  7. Jun 10

    How Supply 91 Became One of London's Most Awarded Barbershops with Maxwell Oakley

    What does it take to build a barbershop that clients actively recommend, industry leaders recognise, and customers keep returning to? In this episode of Yours for the Making, Robin Johnson sits down with Maxwell Oakley, co founder of Supply 91 Barbers Extraordinaire, to explore how a small lockdown startup grew into one of London's most respected barbershop brands. Maxwell shares the story behind Supply 91, from opening a tiny Islington shop with furniture from Ikea and very little cash, to winning GQ Barber of the Year and expanding across London. The conversation explores customer experience, hospitality, business growth, staff training, company culture, leadership, client retention, marketing, data, and the realities of scaling a service based business. Along the way, Maxwell discusses working with celebrity clients, why listening is the most underrated business skill, the importance of hiring for attitude, and how strong systems help creative businesses grow without losing their identity. If you run a creative business, work in hospitality, own a salon or barbershop, or want to understand how customer experience drives growth, this episode offers practical insight from someone building one of the most talked about brands in the industry. Key Topics Covered Building Supply 91 during lockdownGrowing from one barbershop to four London locationsWinning GQ Barber of the YearWhy listening creates loyal customersCustomer experience and hospitality lessonsHiring for attitude over technical skillCreating a strong company cultureTraining barbers and developing talentUsing customer data and retention metricsExpanding a premium service businessCelebrity clients and cutting famous facesLaunching a new hair product for men Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 How Supply 91 started during lockdown 02:34 Winning GQ Barber of the Year 03:53 The secret behind customer loyalty 08:05 Why craft fundamentals matter 13:43 Growing from one shop to four locations 15:30 Creating a premium experience for men 16:40 Why barbershops build community 21:45 Hospitality lessons every business should learn 25:26 Building culture through onboarding and training 31:10 Hiring attitude over skill 33:10 Scaling a business without outside investment 39:05 Why every business needs a great accountant 42:00 Risk taking and business growth 48:38 Using customer data to make better decisions 50:45 The power of client retention 55:02 Working with celebrity clients 59:34 Advice for his 18 year old self 01:00:43 The future of Supply 91 and new product launches

  8. Jun 3

    How Lulu Jacobs Turned Pottery Into a Full Time Creative Career

    Potter Lulu Jacobs joins Robin Johnson to discuss leaving a career in branding and marketing to pursue pottery full time. Lulu shares how a short course at Turning Earth turned into a full creative obsession, leading her to build a pottery business from a garden studio while raising a young family. The conversation explores the emotional highs and crushing failures of ceramics, the reality of selling handmade pottery, the pressure of social media, and the challenge of balancing creative freedom with commercial work. Lulu also talks openly about working with difficult black clay, building an audience online without becoming fake, and why bravery matters more than confidence when building a creative career. Key Topics Covered Leaving marketing to pursue pottery full timeLearning ceramics through Turning EarthBuilding a pottery studio at homeWhy social media feels uncomfortable for makersAuthenticity and community on InstagramThe challenge of working with black clayGlaze chemistry and kiln failuresSelling handmade pottery profitablyRestaurant commissions and wholesale potteryThe impact of The Great Pottery Throw DownFunctional pottery versus art potteryCreative risk taking and overcoming fearPottery as escapism and meditationImposter syndrome in creative industries Enjoying the show? Leave a review, follow us, and share the episode with a fellow maker. New episodes every week with artists, designers, craftsmen and creators from around the world. Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson — founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop — this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. Key Moments: 00:00 Leaving branding and discovering pottery 01:27 The Turning Earth course that changed everything 02:40 Learning pottery privately through failure 03:58 Building an authentic pottery audience online 05:57 The nightmare and beauty of black clay 10:50 Growing up around pottery studios and kilns 15:18 Why pottery feels addictive 18:30 Opening the kiln at midnight 20:35 The financial reality of handmade pottery 23:35 Landing a first restaurant commission 26:58 The impact of The Great Pottery Throw Down 35:15 Pottery as escapism and meditation 42:24 Creative freedom versus commercial work 46:56 Florian Gadsby and the pottery creator economy 49:07 Pottery content creators and social media culture 58:32 Advice to her 18 year old self

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Yours for the Making with Robin Johnson is the podcast that celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and the art of making. Hosted by Robin Johnson - founder of Johnson Bespoke and BBC presenter on shows such as The Travelling Auctioneers, The Restorers, Woodland Workshop this podcast dives into the stories of makers from all walks of life. From woodworkers, metal fabricators, and chefs to artists, designers, and hobbyists, each episode offers real conversations with the people behind the things we love. Whether you're a hands-on creative, aspiring artisan, or simply curious about how things are made, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and practical wisdom. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, lessons in process and passion, and a celebration of the maker movement in all its forms. Subscribe now and follow Yours for the Making wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.

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