Robert Lee Ceramics
Robert Lee
Robert Lee had a dream from a very young age of being self employed. He felt that it would allow time for being creative whilst making a living. He wanted to rise to the challenge to create his own market and manage his own finances through his own decisions.
Initially his first point of contact was with West Cork Enterprise Board where he got assistance to work out his business plan when he attended a Small Business Start Up course. West Cork Leader Programme then helped him with mentoring and networking.
With his business idea formulated and his plan worked out, Robert approached First Step who gave him a three year loan to launch the business. In addition First Step offered mentoring and support throughout the early stage development.
Ceramic work is continuously evolving to suit commercial and higher end markets. Robert recently developed a commercial range distinctly different from his current porcelain work. He is planning to set up an eBay shop to sell his work.
Recognising the niche for specific tuition in pottery (rather than the usually taught methods) he turned his showroom and gallery into a classroom fully equipped with pottery wheels etc. He now caters for local, national and international people looking for specific tuition.
Robert is a founding member and chair of ‘Hands On’– a group of professionally trained teachers in craft in West Cork.
As part of the development of his business, he has teamed up with a professional and respected travel agent based both in West Cork and Cork City to bring people to Ireland through specially themed holidays.
Having recently purchased a property he intends to open a high end craft, design and fine art gallery in 2008, to showcase his own work along side local west Cork artists and national artists. His future plans include a cafe to encourage people to visit.
His plans are to also develop three artists studios to rent out. The artists will be allowed to use the gallery for their own private and public exhibitions as well as showcasing their work for sale.
The longer term plans are also to develop a two bedroomed sustainable wooden building which will accommodate people for weekend and week long classes.
