We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Aw and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
There were several factors that were taken into consideration when setting up my business, cost of properties, demographic & income level, weather, as well as transportation. Carrying over the business from Malaysia, my main goal was to be able to supply potteries to the north east & south east of the US market. A location that is more to the central so our distribution center is not too far distant wise to the far north or the extreme south. Atlanta is an ideal place per my data recollection. Not too far to the farthest big northeastern city like New York nor the southern city like Miami. Property pricing was very affordable when I started 30 years ago. Demographic, income per capita & age group were also very suitable for the business. We need to be in a location where the age group is from 28-70. Income per capita average 45,000 & up. Atlanta is also near the savannah port, so the inland trucking from port to the distribution center will not be too costly. Weather is a very important factor. Our products are mainly for gardening & landscaping. We need more feasible planting seasons for at least 6-9 months. Atlanta is a great city for gardening in comparison to Chicago, New York or Miami.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
One factor I love about my business is that it enhances the landscaping of the environment where we all see and live. We have 6th generations of pottery making knowledge and craftsmanship. We also own our factory in making our own glazes that cannot be duplicated perfectly. Our products are all hand crafted and bear the individualistic glazing & designs. The rustic nature of pots are great for nature & art lovers. Our design goes to commercial installations like malls, restaurants & apartments complexes leasing offices or common areas. The lesson to getting closer to your goal in my opinion is to make as many mistakes as you can when you are young, carrying over the lessons you learnt from those mistakes and start all over again.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Botanical Garden!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to all the businesses as well as individuals who have come and supported us now then as well as my children. And of course thanks to shoutout Atlanta for giving me this opportunity!

Website: awpotteryatl.com

Instagram: awpottery

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/awpotteryatlanta

Youtube: https://www.awpotterystudio.net/about

Image Credits
Yufei Song, Elaine aw

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