Pottery Painting Co nominated for Muddy Stilettos Award

The Little Pottery Painting Co was first set up by sisters Lauren and Gemma Sandercock in December 2023 and has now been named a regional finalist in the Best Family Experience category at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2025.

The annual awards celebrate independent businesses across the country with five businesses nominated in 21 lifestyle categories regionally.

For this business, family really is what it’s all about, as the sisters are ably assisted by their dad who runs the kiln and their mum who bakes for the café.

The family’s hard work has clearly paid off, as they’ve become the only business owners in Royal Wootton Bassett to make the finals in the awards.

Gemma and Lauren couldn’t be more thrilled to be named finalists (Image: The Little Pottery Painting Co) “Being shortlisted for this award already means so much to us,” the sisters told the Swindon Advertiser.

“For a young business, just over a year old, to be recognised for the experience we’ve created is a huge honour – and we’d love to shout about it, not just for us, but for our amazing community who continue to support us every step of the way.”

The idea behind the Little Pottery Painting Co first started when Lauren, Gemma and their family took part in a painting experience during a weekend away and immediately fell in love.

READ MORE: Every Wiltshire finalist in the Muddy Stiletto Awards

“On the drive home, we looked at each other and said we need to bring this to our hometown,” said Gemma.

“By that evening, I had researched kilns, I’d set up wholesale pottery accounts and booked to see a premise.

“And just like that, The Little Pottery Painting Co. was born.

The pottery painting cafe has become a much-loved hideaway in town (Image: The Little Pottery Painting Co) “In just over a year, our studio has become a creative hub for the local community. We’ve welcomed everyone through our doors – from solo visitors looking for some peaceful headspace, to date nights, girls’ nights, family outings, baby handprint sessions, and more.

“Everyone’s been so supportive and the reaction we’ve had from the people of Bassett has just been so wonderful and so encouraging.

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“We get to watch creativity unfold every single day and, thanks to Dad’s magic in the kiln, we see it all come to life when customers return to collect their finished piece.”

In total, there are 105 Regional Finalists for Wiltshire in this year’s Muddy Stilettos Awards.

The Little Pottery Painting Co will go up against Fairfield Animal Centre in Southwick, Roves Farm in Swindon, Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm in Cholderton and South Wilts Ski Club in Bapton.