Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Racioppi.
Erin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, I’m Erin.
I fell in love with painting pottery years ago because I believe in the value of a hands-on, creative experience that you treasure forever! Everyone should be able to create a masterpiece and proudly display it at their home. So I created a beautiful, inspiring studio with techniques that are so easy, anyone can create a masterpiece!
I can hardly believe what my first “little pottery shop” I opened in 2003 has become. I now have 7 pottery studios, my husband, Steve, works full-time with me on the business, and I am a proud mother of 4 children!
We were so lucky to purchase All Fired Up in 2021. All Fired Up has a great history dating back to 1997 and we are thrilled that we get to continue providing this wonderful activity and creative experience to the Winter Park and Orlando communities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s taken a lot of hard work to grow from 1 pottery studio in 2003 to 7 in 2021! I’ve been fortunate to make friends with and have the help of other studio owners in the industry. Plus, our suppliers and consultants were extremely helpful with our growth. Obviously, the major struggle was COVID’s impact in 2020, but this also allowed us to adapt and bring all of our pottery items online.
As you know, we’re big fans of All Fired Up. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
All Fired Up has been providing outstanding experiences and creative outlets since 1997. We specialize in paint-your-own pottery, and our guests can walk-in anytime to paint or book a party or event in advance. I think what sets us apart is that our main focus is providing that outstanding experience to each and every person that walks in our door. So, you will be greeted with a warm smile, high energy and fun and we’ll show you all the cool pottery items we have and teach you all of the tricks and techniques.
What’s especially unique about paint-your-own pottery is that it is truly for all ages. It’s one of the very few things that a Grandma, Mom, and child can do together! Plus, the pottery you paint is glazed and fired and will preserve your memories forever! For example, one of my favorite thing is to capture hand and foot prints of little ones!
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for my parents’ encouragement and support and the banker who backed my initial loan. As for continuing to be successful in the industry for nearly 20 years, aside from friends in my industry and the consultants I’ve worked with, I also have my husband to thank. He joined me full time in 2012 and is focused more on the “business side” of the pottery studio which allows me to focus on the creative side. I also, of course, have to thank the many Studio Managers and rockstar Team Members who have allowed us to grow the business across many states by running the studios’ day to day operations and continuing to provide excellent service to our guests.
Pricing:
- With over 250 items, we have something for everyone’s budget
- Pottery starts at $12 and we find that people normally spend $25 – $35 / person on average
- Kids Birthday Parties starting at $299
- Adult Parties and Corporate Events starting at $199
- See all prices online at allfireduponline.com
Contact Info:
- Email: winterpark@allfireduponline.com
- Website: allfireduponline.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allfiredupwinterpark/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allfiredupwinterpark
