Handful Studios

Julian Erickson-Watson’s love for pottery began during his senior year of college when he decided to enroll in a pottery class. Not knowing where it would lead, he chose to follow this passion. Eventually, Julian relocated to Maine, where he discovered the rich pottery community in Portland. Julian set out to put down roots by opening a pottery teaching studio.

Julian knew there was a market for his dream, but needed help with the legal, financial, and tax aspects of starting a business. With guidance from Maine SBDC Center Director & Business Advisor Peter Harriman, they developed financial projections to ensure feasibility, prompting Julian to seek funding from a private investor.

They continued working together over the next six months to bring his business plans together. In February 2024, Julian opened Handful Studios in Portland. He hopes to continue growing and add memberships, workshops, and masterclasses.

Julian comments, “You don’t know what you don’t know, and SBDC’s advisors can not only answer your questions, but can help you with things you didn’t even know you needed to think about.”