When Cinamon Wellington became a mother, she found herself traveling out of town every weekend in search of creative activities to enjoy with her daughter. Those trips eventually sparked an idea that would become The Happy Pot, a paint-your-own pottery studio focused on family, creativity and community.
“We realized we needed to create a space for families and friends locally to express creativity while making memories,” Wellington said.
Wellington opened The Happy Pot in 2015, initially renting a single room in the Complex in West Portsmouth. Two years later, she purchased a historic building on Second Street, allowing the business to expand its studio space, equipment and staff. Wellington said the business was born from a desire to bring to Portsmouth the same opportunities she once had to leave town to find.
“We believe in investing back in our community and keeping our money local to create jobs and a brighter future for all,” she said.
Today, visitors walking into The Happy Pot are greeted with a smile and more than 300 pieces of pottery to choose from. Staff write the customer’s name and the date on each piece, explain the painting process and assist throughout. Once finished, pieces are glazed, fired and ready for pick up the following Thursday.
The studio sources its pre-made pottery and paints from distributors, including Mayco, though Wellington hopes to eventually pour and produce her own molds to offer even more variety.
The Happy Pot is known for its themed events — from seasonal favorites to pop-culture nights — all brainstormed collaboratively by Wellington and her staff.
“All themes are based on popular trends, movies, customer suggestions and childhood memories that make us laugh and smile,” Wellington said. The team enjoys “dressing up and adding unique twists” to make each event memorable.
Creating a safe and inclusive environment is central to Wellington’s mission.
“Whether you are 102 or 2, we encourage all to get creative and paint,” she said. “We want your painting experience to be relaxed and for our customers to leave feeling happy and stress-free.”
The Happy Pot also regularly partners with schools, local artists, other small businesses and community groups, including adults with disabilities, churches, the juvenile probation department and the recovery community. For many, she said, art becomes “a healing tool to express creativity.”
Running a small business has brought its challenges, from long hours to managing inventory, scheduling events, training staff and keeping up with customer expectations. Wellington said the pandemic, in particular, taught her the importance of evolving alongside the community.
“We learned from COVID that to survive, we must continuously evolve our business to the wants and needs of our community,” she said.
Looking forward, Wellington is excited for upcoming holiday events as well as local traditions such as Winterfest and Mainstreet’s Chocolate Walk. She also hinted at new customer incentives coming in 2026.
Her long-term goals include pouring her own pottery molds, distributing products throughout the tri-state area, expanding equipment and staffing, and even transforming the studio’s basement into a dedicated party room. But for Wellington, the best part of running The Happy Pot has remained the same since day one.
“I love my customers, I love our community, I love helping people,” she said. “I love watching people be happy. I love being creative and getting silly. I love being part of the growth of Portsmouth.”
To support The Happy Pot, stop by the studio at 522 Second St. in Portsmouth and experience the creativity it brings to the community firsthand.
